Published on August 12, 2025 2:36 pm
Last Updated on August 12, 2025 2:36 pm
Joyce A. Westjohn, 84, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025 at her home in Sigel, surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sigel with burial in St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael’s School or donor’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.
Joyce was born January 18, 1941 in Effingham, the daughter of Louis and Ruth (Willenborg) Zehner. On September 19, 1964, she married Robert Westjohn. Together they shared 60 years of marriage and their family of four daughters.
Joyce worked on the family dairy farm side by side with Bob for years. She also never turned down an opportunity to babysit the grandkids. Joyce also worked as a bookkeeper at Sigel Elevator and helped during tax season at Hanks and Willenborg. She was co-owner of Zehner Properties in Effingham for 33 years with her sisters where she was building manager. Joyce had a natural green thumb and loved being outside with her flowers.
She leaves behind her loving husband and daughters: Christie (David) Keown, Julie (Manuel Gonzalez) Denton, Debbie (John) Holkenbrink, Sheri (Nate) Thompson. As well as her grandchildren: Matt Keown; Orrin Keown; Jake (Miranda) Zerrusen; Jarrett Winings; Jordan Winings; Bryce (fiancé Jenna) Holkenbrink; Lane Holkenbrink; Carlie Holkenbrink; Madison Thompson; Sam Thompson; Noah Thompson. Two great-grandchildren; Lainey and Leah Zerrusen. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Jo Alari and Toni Herwaldt.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents: Louis and Ruth; brother-in-law Gary Alari; and her granddaughter Ashley Zerrusen.