Joyce Elaine Brinkmeier, 81, of Freeport, formerly of Lena, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Provena St. Joseph Center in Freeport, with her family by her side. She was born December 28, 1940, in Freeport, the daughter of Woodrow and Caryl (Leggett) Lorenz. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1958 and married Thomas Brinkmeier on July 3, 1965, in Freeport. Joyce worked at MICRO SWITCH and was a lunch lady at Lena-Winslow Elementary School, in addition to spending many years as a homemaker. She was a member of Lena United Methodist Church.

Joyce enjoyed quilting, bowling, traveling, playing cards and games, and working in the garden. She was an incredibly talented crocheter, making beautiful afghans, tablecloths, doilies, snowflake ornaments, and other keepsakes her family will cherish. She excelled at word games and she and her husband Tom were masters of Password, using their own secret language to dominate most opponents. She salted her beer, mastered her brandy slush recipe, and did not peek at her beef stew while it was in the oven.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine (Chris) Mutschler of Holland, MI; four grandchildren: Amy (Jeff) Ficaro of Tinley Park; Erica (Ian) Blair of Lena; and Josephine Mutschler and Thomas Mutschler of Holland, MI; five great grandchildren: Olivia and Isabella Ficaro; and Easton, Emmett, and Elliott Blair; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Bruce and Terri Brinkmeier of Barrington; Ken and Julie Beach of Freeport; and Linda Lorenz of Hermitage, TN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; her brothers, Gerald Lorenz and Kenneth Lorenz; sister-in-law, Gayle Lorenz; and her infant son, Steven Thomas.

A visitation is planned for Monday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Leamon's Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

The funeral will follow the visitation at noon on the same day.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

A memorial is being established in Joyce's memory.

The family would like to thank FHN hospice, especially Andrea and Yolanda, for their compassionate care.