Joyce M. Braun

Joyce M. Braun, 77, passed peacefully in her sleep. As her family lovingly looks back at her life and legacy, we are honored to share some of her story. Joyce was born in Fond du Lac on August 23, 1946 to Howard and Dolores Freiberg, whom she is now reunited with. She grew up on Wisconsin Avenue just a couple blocks away from the Soo Line. Her wit, humor, kindness, and boundless energy always drew people to her. Joyce was homecoming queen at Horace Mann High School in 1964 and the words next to her senior picture read “Ever willing to assist, and her charm we can’t resist.” A lifetime later, those words still hold true. Being both business-minded and a bit audacious, she began her career working in the Register of Deeds office in Fond du Lac. Later, she moved to Madison where she established herself in real estate. While she was passionate about her work, it was her family she cherished most. She married and had a son, Scott Braun in 1969. A son that grew from her beloved little boy into a kind, creative and dependable family man. Joyce later found the love of her life, Roger Wayne Koby. He passed in a plane crash on March 19, 1975, just a few months before their daughter Rogette was born. A daughter with the same charm, boundless energy and determination as her mom. Later in life, Rogette would take her father’s last name, Koby. Both Scott and Rogette have four children between them whom “Grandma Joy” adored. Joyce’s love and light touched many lives beyond her own children and grandchildren. She adored her nieces, Tiffany and Jennifer and was like a mother to so many of her children’s friends and Rogette’s half-sister, Kristen. She was an animal lover through and through, holding a special place in her heart for her beloved dog Whisper, “It-a-bit” the cat, and Tellulah the hamster. Later in life Joyce discovered another great love, a place with endless sunshine! She moved to Calabasas, California where she lived for over a decade and started a business grooming pets for celebrities like Kevin Sorbo and his wife Sam. She loved being a part of her church community, made many friends and even discovered a knack for caring for hummingbirds (it is said she could call them to her patio – dozens at a time). Joyce eventually returned to Wisconsin to be close to family. She endlessly impressed family how she could light up any room. She enjoyed lunch and energetic conversations with family, that miss her dearly, before her passing. Her name truly suited her- As she brought “Joy” to so many. She is also preceded in death by her sister Lauren “Kay” Pennell. She is survived by her children, Rogette Koby, Scott Braun (Lynne), brothers: Howard (Sherry) Freiberg & David (Gwen) Freiberg; as well as her beloved grandchildren: Sean and Delaney Braun, and Naveya & Jakoby Jackson, and her other adored nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on her behalf to the Salvation Army, an organization currently making a huge impact on a beloved member of her family. VISITATION: The family will greet friends and family from 12:30 – 1:00 PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory, with Chaplain Karen Kraus officiating. Cremation has taken place. Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, on-line guestbook can be found at www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420

Joyce M. Braun

August 23, 1946 - December 4, 2023