Joyce Audrey Udeen, 83, a lifelong resident of South Range and Wascott Wisconsin, died in her home on March 18th, 2013.

She was born in Superior on December 30, 1929, the daughter of Arthur and Emily Rasmussen. She married Herbert Udeen, June 4, 1954 at Bethel Lutheran Church.

Joyce graduated from the Superior State Teachers College in 1951 with a Bachelor's Degree in music. She taught school in Hawkins and Solon Springs, Wisconsin. She became employed by the School District of Superior in 1955. During her career, she taught band at Patzau, Nemadji, Washington, Four Corners, Lake Superior and Nelson Dewey Elementary Schools. Her musical interests did not end at school every day but continued outside into her personal life as well. She played the organ and directed the choir at Bethel Lutheran Church for over 40 years. She provided private music lessons in her home and played at "more weddings than she could count".

Joyce was known for her adventuresome experiences that included trips to Rome, New Zealand, Australia, Canadian fly in fishing and hunting expeditions, Caribbean and Alaskan cruises and her favorite, Africa. She had a keen sense of direction and traveled prior to cell phones, computers or GPS's.

She was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church and served as president of her Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. She spent her retirement years following her grandchildren in their activities and spending winters in Lady Lake, Florida. While in Florida, she enjoyed driving her golf cart around her community and exploring all the new restaurants. She knew where to find the "gators" and would take her visitors to see them.

Joyce is survived by her four children, Deborah (Tom) Lach, Daniel (Lori Karaba) Udeen, Robin (Bill) Cich and Scott (Tracy) Udeen; a brother, Dr. Arthur (Ann) Rasmussen; eight grandchildren, Staci (Matt) Johnson, Danielle (Luke) Severson, Becky (Joe) Herubin, Matt, Tim and Katie Lach, and Samantha and Spencer Udeen; two great-grandchildren, Aubree Severson and Colton Herubin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Udeen, in March of 2008.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 on Friday in Bethel Lutheran Church, in Superior, and continue until the funeral service at noon with Pastor Gary Garnatz officiating. A private family burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the service will be her grandchildren.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Joyce A. Udeen Scholarship Fund or Bethel Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the nursing staff, Tom Warden, Dr. Dean Fox and Dr. Jon Sande for the excellent care provided to Joyce during her stay on the Oncology Unit at Essential Health - St. Mary's Medical Center and also a "special thank you" to Tracy, for being so caring and loving and always being there for Mom. She had a gentle way of making Mom feel comfortable. We could not have done this without you! Thank you.

Downs Funeral Home, corner of Ogden Ave. & 19th St., is assisting the family with arrangements.