With deep love and gratitude, the family of Joyce Elaine Klitzman of Brodhead, Wisconsin, announces her peaceful passing on September 6, 2026. She was a resident of Skaalen in Stoughton, where she received nursing and hospice care.
Joyce was born July 20, 1931, to Raymond and Mable (Mohns) Hazeltine at her grandparents’ homestead in Center Township, Rock County, Wisconsin. She attended Ellis Country Grade School, graduated from Janesville High School in 1949, and studied at the Accredited School of Beauty Culture in Madison. After becoming a licensed beauty operator, she worked at the Gilbert Birkey Beauty Shop in Janesville.
On December 11, 1950, Joyce married Allen Gretebeck at First Lutheran Church in Stoughton. They settled in Edgerton and raised six children – four sons and two daughters. Joyce cared for their family and kept the books for Allen’s television and radio business. They enjoyed camping, fishing, and sharing a cabin with friends in Spooner, Wisconsin, where the family gathered for vacations.
After Allen’s death, Joyce married Erwin Klitzman in 1966 and made her home in Brodhead. Once her children attended school full time, she worked 14 years for the Rock County Dairy Improvement Association and 15 years at the Swiss Colony Bakery in Monroe.
Joyce showed her love through cooking, sewing, baking, gardening, canning, and knitting afghans for her children and grandchildren. Especially known for her casseroles and pies, she also enjoyed reading, music, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers.
In retirement, Joyce traveled to Japan, where her son Lowell served as an ELCA missionary, and later visited France, Switzerland, and Germany with family. She also spent 10 winters in Winter Haven, Florida, with her daughter Judy. Her greatest joy was preparing meals, gathering loved ones around her table, and creating lasting family traditions.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her children, Richard (Diane) Gretebeck, Lowell (Junko) Gretebeck, Judy Sommerfeldt, and Laura (Jack) Hopkins; stepdaughter, Donna Niedermeier; grandchildren, Aaron (Keri) Gretebeck, Erik (Cristi) Gretebeck, Angela (Curt) Woelky, Lisa (Alec) Weltzien, Crystal (Patrick) Gerdes, Ashley (Jeremy) Ploof and Julie (Chris) Schilling; and 14 great-grandchildren, Grant, Skylar, Macy, Henry, Mason, Cooper, Sadie, Jayden, Jasmine, Jett, Rose, Kinsley, Arlo, and Emil.
She is also remembered by her sister, LaVonna Flood; brothers, Richard Hazeltine and Doug (Sue) Hazeltine; sister-in-law, Pat Hazeltine; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Allen Gretebeck and Erwin Klitzman; two sons; two sisters; and one brother.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Skaalen and Agrace Hospice for their compassion and care.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a worship service at 12:00 p.m. officiated by the Rev. John Swanson, assisted by Apfel-Ehlert Funeral Home, Edgerton.
Joyce will be remembered for her steadfast care, wonderful cooking, creativity, devotion to family, and the memories she created. Her love and influence will live on in the family she cherished.