Joyce M. (Zimmerman) Nipple, age 92, was born on June 25, 1933, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Wilbur and Elsie Zimmerman. She passed away peacefully at her home in Brodhead, Wisconsin, on December 30, 2025—exactly where she wanted to be.
On September 18, 1954, Joyce married the love of her life, Lawrence R. Nipple. Together they shared 57 years of marriage, building a life grounded in faith, laughter, hard work, and deep devotion to one another until Lawrence’s passing. Joyce was first and foremost a wife, a mother, and a woman whose family was her greatest treasure.
She was the proud mother of four children: Dennis (Jo Anne) Nipple, Janelle Sugars, Thomas (Andi) Nipple, and Lorri (Kirk) Pinnow. Joyce’s joy multiplied through her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, with a 15th little gem on the way, each one dearly loved and endlessly celebrated.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lawrence, her son Tom, and her granddaughter Ellen, whom she carried in her heart always.
Joyce had a rare gift: if you met her, you were no longer just an acquaintance—you were her friend. When once asked what she hoped people would say about her, her answer was simple and perfectly Joyce: “That’s my friend.” And she meant it. Friendship was her ministry, her joy, and her way of showing God’s love to the world.
Her life was rich with connection—from working at places like The Chalet, The Harris House, Ten Eyck Orchards, the Country Club, and Mrs. Santa’s Crafters, to golfing, bowling, gardening, and yes, occasionally hitting the casino to “push some buttons.” Her faith anchored everything she did, and St. Peter Lutheran Church was key to her spiritual life, where she worshiped, volunteered, served, and loved on others.
Joyce was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord with her whole heart. Her faith wasn’t loud or showy—it was lived. It showed up in hospitality, in laughter, in loyalty, in listening, in hosting happy hours, in playing games with her grandkids, in family hugs, and in the way she made room for everyone. She knew Jesus as King, and she lived with the quiet confidence of someone who knew exactly where she was going next.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Joyce’s guardian angels—Opal, Cindy, Karen, Vicki, Maxine, Teresa, Josh, and Joy, Chris, Irene, among other dear friends and neighbors—whose love and care allowed her to remain in her home, surrounded by comfort, dignity, and peace.
Joyce loved the following poem, and it reflects her heart beautifully:
“When I go home, let there be laughter, let there be fun, let them rejoice.
When my life’s work is done, let them gather together.
Those whom I love, let them praise then thank our dear Lord above.
Let them find joy in the memories they bring; let them all see, I knew Jesus as King.
Let them look forward, and not in the past; help them rejoice, that I’ve gone home at last.”
And truly, home she has gone.
A visitation will be held for Joyce at the DL Newcomer Funeral in Brodhead, WI on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. Funeral services will be held at the St. Peters Church in Brodhead at 11:00AM with a visitation before starting at 10:00AM.