Joyce M. Hunsaker

Joyce M. Hunsaker, age 81, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford.  She was born Jan. 17, 1942 in Christopher, IL the daughter of Robert and Erma (Morin) Beneventi. She attended Rockford schools and obtained her Associates Degree in Business from Rock Valley College.  She married John Hunsaker on Jan. 18, 1958 in Edwardsville, IL.  He preceded her in death on May 7, 2013.  Joyce then married Earle Mailand on May 25, 2019.  She owned and operated her own employment agency called “Jobsmart Employment Services, Inc.”.  Joyce and her husband John raised their family in the Leaf River area prior to moving to Byron.  She was a member of the All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron.  She loved to make quilts, read, attend to her flower gardens, and had an appreciation for all types of music.  Joyce was very proud of the accomplishments of her grandchildren, and was a friend to many.  Sunday night dinners with her family were a favorite time of the week for her.  Throughout her retirement years, she enjoyed spending the winters in Florida.  Joyce was predeceased by her parents, her husband John Hunsaker, her grandson Jonathan Douglas Knodle, and her brother Robert Beneventi.  She is survived by her husband Earle Mailand of Byron, IL; daughters Lisa (Kevin) Helms of Byron, and Lynn (Douglas) Knodle of Byron; sister Joan Arle of Byron; grandchildren: Robert (Alesha) Zellers of Onalaska, WI; Cristina (Andy) Mugrage of Byron, IL; Matthew Zellers of Byron, IL; Brittany (Kane) Thompson of Wheaton, IL; and Paige (Matthew) Bohannon of North Liberty, Iowa; and 13 great-grandchildren whom she loved and adored.  A funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at the All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron with the Rev. Tyler Spellious officiating.  Visitation will be prior to the funeral from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the church.  Burial will be at the Byron Cemetery at a later date.  A memorial fund is established in Joyce’s name for the All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron, IL and also for the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. 

http://www.allsaintsbyron.org

https://serenityhospiceandhome.org