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.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667
Don and Dawn Gosse says:
I’m so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. Her and her family are the reason that we became members of St. Matthews church. She was a true friend and her smile was infectious. She will be greatly missed.
Kathy Bassinger says:
Pat and Patty; I am sorry for your loss.
Judy Ashley says:
Such a lovely lady. She will be missed by all at St. Matthew’s.
Judy Ashley