Joy Gabrielle

In Loving Memory of Joy Gabrielle

With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Joy Gabrielle on October 1, 2024, surrounded by love and grace. She was born on October 12, 1942, in Geislingen, Germany, to Johannes and Emilie Wörz. After the war, at the age of 10, Joy immigrated to the United States with her sister, where they were adopted by their maternal aunt and uncle, Martha and Joseph Geppert, who raised them on their farm in Milwaukee.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and language, Joy excelled in her studies, quickly mastering English and developing a passion for science and math. She became a trailblazer, one of the few women of her time to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1966.

Joy married Bob Stefczak in 1967, and together they shared many happy years, remaining friends even after their paths diverged. Together they built an A-Frame home in Eden, WI, which they fondly named “Nature’s Six Acres.” Later they moved to Montana, where they owned and operated Seeley Lake Pharmacy and Floral in the valley of the Mission and Swan mountain ranges. Over the years, Joy’s adventurous spirit led her to live in California, Oregon, and Hawaii before returning to Wisconsin in her final years.

Joy’s life was defined by a deep dedication to her family, a love of learning, and a spirit of resilience. She worked as a pharmacist, small business owner, and florist, roles that showcased her diverse talents and her desire to serve others. She studied natural and alternative healing, energy medicine, and herbs, and worked with clients in Montana and Oregon.

A lifelong student of both science and spirituality, Joy’s faith journey led her to explore many traditions, always seeking to understand the common thread of love and kindness that unites us all. She gave back to her community through countless hours of volunteer work, including as a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, and classroom volunteer.

Joy had a natural artist’s eye, finding beauty in the smallest details of life. A simple walk in the woods would turn into a journey of discovery, as she paused to admire the intricate patterns of a leaf or the play of light on a flower. She loved the sunlight sparkling like diamonds on the water when she lived by the ocean. She swam with dolphins in Hawaii and watched the sunrise over Haleakalā on Easter morning. Her creative pursuits included writing poetry, floral arranging, and making thoughtful, expressive collages that captured the vibrancy of her spirit.

A gifted cook and baker, Joy delighted family and friends with traditional German dishes like beef stroganoff, spätzle, and rouladen, as well as her legendary from-scratch cheesecake, always a highlight at birthdays and celebrations.

Joy is survived by her daughter, Sky Quinn; her son, Joe (Sandy) Stefczak; her sister, Martha Steigerwald; her brother, Hans Wörz; her beloved grandsons, Ty and Jake Stefczak; niece Kristine (Todd) Schwallenberg; her former husband, Bob (Margie) Stefczak; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johannes and Emilie Wörz; her adoptive parents, Joseph and Martha Geppert; her brother-in-law, Anton Steigerwald; and her niece, Lisa Kuenn.

Joy’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her as a compassionate, curious, and generous soul, whose life was a testament to the beauty of perseverance, love, and unwavering faith. An amazing mother, wonderful friend, and beautiful human being, she will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Joy's life will be held on October 12, which is her birthday, at 11am, with a visition from 9-11am at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 Silver Maple Ln, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.