Joyce M. Rabata

Joyce Marie Rabata, 86, Passed away at Marshfield Medical Center Beaver Dam on Sunday, February 8th.

Joyce was born on March 6th, 1939 in Sparta Wi. to Lawrence and Louise (Laufenberg) Nevin. She was raised in Ontario Wisconsin, attended St. Mary’s Grade School, Norwalk and graduated from Ontario High School. Prior to settling on the homestead on Opera Road, her family resided on the top of Wildcat Mountain, which later became a state park.

She met the love of her life John “Jack” Rabata in 1958 whom she married in August of 1959. Together they enjoyed 66 years of marriage residing in Lake Geneva, Kenosha, and 55 years in Beaver Dam.

Joyce worked for 34 years as a medical records secretary, where she met and made many life long friends. Her most cherished memories were the times spent with her husband and children. She was a devoted wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She especially enjoyed the times that her and Jack spent together travelling. Destinations included Hawaii, Spain, Ireland, Latin America and nearly every state.

For those that knew Joyce well, know that she was an avid collector….Of clothing, shoes, and jewelry.

Joyce is survived by her husband John, three children; Randy (Tracy) Rabata, Diana Rabata (special friend Jeff), and John (Cindy) Rabata. Her grandchildren; Benjamin Rabata (special friend Marion), Ryan (Jade) Rabata, Isaiah (fiancee Megan) Rabata, Alexi (Kevin) Havlovitz, Two great grandchildren; Theo and Lemley, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Lawrence and Louise, brothers: Paul (Joan) Nevin, Roger (Carole) Nevin, Dean (Carol) Nevin, Phillip Nevin, and her beloved sister Patricia (Glenn) Green.

Special thanks to the staff at the Beaver Dam Remembrance Home for the excellent and compassionate care she received while she was there.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 26th at Cornerstone Funeral and Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd. Beaver Dam. A memorial gathering will be from 11 am to 1 pm with a memorial service and luncheon to follow immediately at that same location. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Hillsboro, WI.

Per Joyce’s wishes, memorials may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.