Joyce Cora Akin's Obituary
Joyce Cora Akin, age 93, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at Pleasant Point Senior Living. She was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on February 8, 1933, to Irving and Julia “Juel” (née Kerr) Gerbensky.
Joyce was a devoted wife and best friend to the love of her life, Gordy. The two met during their high school years while swimming with friends, when Gordy playfully surprised Joyce by dunking her in the water. From that moment on, their relationship blossomed. Joyce married Gordon F. Akin on September 27, 1952, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Racine. Together they built a home and a life along Highway 31 in Caledonia, where they raised their three sons. Joyce took great pride in helping build their home, especially climbing to the roof to nail on the shingles.
Throughout her life, Joyce also had a special love for her dachshunds, who brought her much joy and companionship.
Joyce and Gordy were deeply involved in their church communities. They sang in the choir, served on church councils, participated in fellowship outings and outreach efforts, and volunteered in many ways. They were also active members of the Holiday Ramblers Camping Association and spent many happy years camping together.
Joyce cherished the many friendships she made over the years from the early days when she and Gordy belonged to a square-dancing group to later years when she became an avid card player and participated in numerous card clubs playing Schafkopt, Cribbage, and Bridge. She was also an avid golfer into her eighties. After moving to Crosswinds on the Creek Condominiums in 1987, Joyce faithfully served as treasurer of the condominium association for an impressive 36 years.
Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her three sons; seven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and also, a great-great-grandson who has recently passed.
Jeff and his wife, Linda of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and their sons: Grant Akin (grandson) and his children: Eleanor, Theodore, Ezekiel, Mildred, and Edmond (great-grandchildren), and Sean (grandson) and his wife, Hailey.
Timothy and his wife, Linda, Racine, Wisconsin and their children; Matthew (grandson) and Bekka Akin and their children: Andrew (great-grandson) and Anna Akin and their son, Silas (great-great-grandson), and Kate, Kylie, and Anika (great-grandchildren), Keri (granddaughter) and Brian Engelking and their children: Ben and Maddy (great-grandchildren), and Lisa (granddaughter) and Carl Miller and their children: Nico, Brooklyn, Abi, and Jackson (great-grandchildren).
Kurt and his wife, Debbie of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and their children; Sara (granddaughter) and Daniel Beams and their sons: Calvin and Graham (great-grandsons), and Emily (granddaughter) and Ethan Henry and their son, Elliott (great-grandson).
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 53 years, Gordy; her great-great-grandson, Silas Akin; her parents, Irving and Juel Gerbensky; and her sister, Delores (Glen) Dyer.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on March 14, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the ceremony at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will follow at the chapel of West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations in Joyce’s honor may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and School.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Pleasant Point Senior Living and Preceptor Hospice for their kind and compassionate care, with special thanks to Kim LaGrow, NP, for her exceptional support and dedication.
Joyce will be remembered for her deep love of family, her devotion to her faith and community, and the many friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Her warmth, dedication, and joyful spirit brought people together and created lasting memories for all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faithful service that will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
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