Joyce A. Henschel

Joyce A. Henschel, age 88, of Iron River, MI, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016 at Aspirus Hospital - Iron River. Joyce was born March 26, 1928 in Iron River, MI, the daughter of Werner and Aina (Prittinen) Leppanen.  She attended the Iron River schools. Joyce married Herbert “Herb” A. Henschel on April 15, 1946 in Engadine, MI and the couple made their home in Iron River.  They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2008.  Herb preceded her in death on February 28, 2009. She was employed as a waitress for many years, meeting and greeting diners at Mertin’s Café, the Double A, and the Happy Italian’s Restaurants. Joyce was a “people person” and loved working with the public. She was a member of Grace Covenant Church of Iron River and volunteered at the Iron River Care Center, where she enjoyed spending time with friends.   Her favorite saying was “In order to have a friend, you have to be one.”  An avid reader, Joyce also enjoyed working puzzles and loved music.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, where she was known as Grandma “J”. She is survived by three sons, Michael (Margaret) Henschel of Iron River, Mark Henschel and friend Kathy Haydon, of Iron River and Dennis (Cathy) Henschel of Pueblo, CO; daughter, Donna (James) Nocerini of Crystal Falls, MI; 12 grandchildren, James Nocerini, Cindy (Christopher) Dingell, Christopher (Stephanie) Nocerini, Lisa Nocerini (Jerry) , Jill (James) Caruso, Kerry (Brian) Ellenburg, Craig (Tricia) Henschel, Elizabeth (Brandt) Kessler, Kyle (Linda) Sabatke, Kady (John) Black, Jeffrey (Tricia) Henschel, and Chelsey (Ross) Singleton; 19 great grandchildren, Taylor, Gabrielle, Daniel, Claudia, Beth, Michael, Ellie, Jenna, Brandon, Justin, Amberlee, Brady, Kamron, Turner, Carson, Blake, Colin, Miranda, and Emma; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Ray and Lyman, and sister, Liane Evans. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. James Swanson II to officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Iron County Cancer Unit. Joyce was a nine year cancer survivor. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joyce A. Henschel, please visit our flower store.