E. Joyce Lantzer, 75, of Kalkaska passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born to the late Ward and Neta (Hart) Butler on April 20, 1937 in South Boardman. She spent her childhood doing farm chores with her dad on their family farm and caring for her horse and many other beloved pets. It was there that she learned many lessons about cooking and life from her adored mom.

Joyce graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1955, and married Bruce Lantzer on June 17, 1955 in Old Mission. The pair shared a faithful love and countless adventures during the next 48 years before Bruce’s passing — including times living at an Oklahoma Army base and in a rustic Alaskan cabin along the railroad in Chugiak, raising their kids, and many camping trips and travels to Alaska, Texas, Wyoming, Florida, the U.P., and other places.

Joyce devoted her life to her family, church, and community. She volunteered at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, worked at the Kalkaska Church of Christ as secretary and then at Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, and proudly cheered for her grandchildren at all of their sporting events and activities. Somehow she still found time to bake her famous apple pies for a charity (which still holds the record for earnings), care for many friends, shop for bargains, travel, and in later years even show her wild side by taking up riding motorcycles with friends and kayaking with family! She was always happy and busy.

Surviving Joyce are her children Gary (Carol) Lantzer, Dale A. (Kathy) Lantzer, and Jeff (Erin) Lantzer; her dear grandchildren Jeremy, Ryan, Lindsay, Kevin, Hannah, Tara, and Alyssa; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 23 from 5:00-9:00 PM at Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday at the Kalkaska Church of Christ with Dan Johnson officiating, and burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Afterwards, family and friends are welcome and encouraged to join in a funeral dinner back at the church for food and stories about Joyce’s wonderful life!

Memorials may be given to the Kalkaska Church of Christ.

Condolences can be left online at www.wolfeoneill.com.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.