Joyce Mary Istvanek (Gail), age 92, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away at her residence surrounded by family on June 26th, 2025. She was born in Kenosha to the late Arthur Gail and Mary (Page) Gail on January 30th, 1933. She attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1951. On March 31st, 1955, she married Albert Istvanek Sr. and was faithfully married to him until his death on August 12, 2000. Together they raised 5 beautiful children where she was a dedicated mother and homemaker.
Joyce loved taking care of her family and their pets. She was a proud member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal church for many years. She was very active in her community and would regularly volunteer at church in their events and in their soup kitchen. She loved her neighborhood and kept in touch with her friends from the old days. She was most comfortable when she was at home with her family.
She is survived by her children: Elizabeth (William) Beckstrom, Albert (Nancy) Istvanek Jr., Patrick (Patricia) Istvanek, and Peggy (Robert) Beckstrom, grandchildren: William (Audrey) Beckstrom, Shawn (Briony) Beckstrom, Siri (Robert) Breckenridge, Rebecca (Chris) Ellis, Daniel (Samantha) Istvanek, Michael (Candace Lent) Istvanek, Kathryn Istvanek, and Joseph Istvanek, great grandchildren: Bo, Ellie, Evelyn, Liam, Harper, Emily, and Micah, stepsister: Patricia Christiansen, and son in law: Norman Blomquest.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Albert Istvanek Sr., daughter: Brenda Blomquest, son in infancy: Arthur, brothers: Franklin Gail and John Gail Sr., sister: Shirley Gail, stepsister: Jean Phipps, and stepbrother: Fred Ecklor.
A memorial service will take place at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (5900 7 th Ave, Kenosha, WI) on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at 11 A.M. A visitation will also take place at church from 10 A.M. until the time of the service. Inurnment at Green Ridge Cemetery will immediately follow the services. Joyce’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Eric J. Hohenwalter from Froedtert Milwaukee for the amazing care he provided her over the years.
