Joyce Zaverousky

Joyce Zaverousky, 89, of Antigo, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, at her home under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was born Dec. 9, 1929, in White Lake, a daughter of the late Clarence and Leona (Hafeman) Whiteaker. She married Charles Zaverousky on Aug. 11, 1951, at St. Mary in Antigo.

Joyce graduated from Antigo High School. She attended Langlade County Normal School and became a teacher. She taught at Rocky Glen in Gleason, Aniwa in Shawano County, Trap River and Hewitt-Texas in Marathon County. She was a homemaker for eight years, also butchering chickens and milking cows. She graduated from the UW-Stevens Point in 1964 and taught at Birnamwood Grade School for 22 years, retiring in 1989.

In 1970, she moved to Wittenberg where she was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, having served as a lay minister of music, a lector, altar sacristan, was a member of Christian Mothers and taught religious education for 27 years. She moved to Antigo in 1995 and became a member of SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Parish, where she was a member of the Rosary Society, a lector and taught religious education.

She was also a member of the Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary Unit 2653 and volunteered for the Hospital Auxiliary and CAR, all in Antigo. Joyce was a longtime 4-H leader, being involved with both Langlade and Shawano County 4-H programs. She was a member of the Antigo Area Retired Teachers Association, National Educators Association, Wisconsin Educators Association and the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Education Association.

She enjoyed embroidery, reading and collecting salt and pepper shakers and unique candles. She loved playing with and listening to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching the birds around her feeders.

Survivors include a son, Samuel (Patricia) Zaverousky, of Antigo; two daughters, Kristina (Henry) Zaverousky-Dowling and Leona Zaverousky, both of Antigo; 10 grandchildren, Samuel (Brenda) Zaverousky, Crystal Zaverousky, Stacey Zaverousky, Billie Rae Zaverousky, Angela Steffens, Philip Steffens, Maurice Steffens, Rebecca Steffens-Johnson, Sean (Tanya) Zaverousky and Samantha (CJ) Wassen; many great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; three sisters, Mayme Farris, of Milwaukee, Esther (Gerald) Piel, of Georgia, Aurelia Heiny, of Illinois; and a brother, Jerry Whiteaker, of Cascade.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Charles Zaverousky; a daughter, Mary Zaverousky; two grandchildren, Stevie Jo and Ricki Lea Spain; a sister, Roberta Harteau; and four brothers, Wayne, Roy, David and Kenneth.

A funeral Mass was held Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. at SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church with the Rev. Mathew Simonar officiating. Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will take place in Star Neva Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association.

Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.