Joy Ruth Weir

JOYANNE “JOY” RUTH WEIR, age 87, of Waseca passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Milestone Senior Living in Faribault.

Joy was born on April 26, 1938, in West Concord to Frank and Lyla (Larson) Wilcox. She graduated from Mantorville High School and began a lifelong journey rooted in hard work, devotion to family, and love of nature.

Joy was first united in marriage to Kenneth Whitaker, and together they welcomed three children: Vicki, Mary Kaye, and Terry. They later divorced. On July 11, 1969, Joy married Russell Weir at a small brown church in Iowa, blending their families and beginning a partnership marked by deep love and companionship that lasted 55 years. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home first in Kasson and then in Waseca. After moving to Waseca, she worked in various retail and manufacturing positions over the years, including at EF Johnsons, Ben Franklin, Sears, Villager East, and Viking Woodcraft, always known for her diligence and kind spirit.

Joy had a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. She found joy in caring for horses and chickens, tending to her gardens, and nurturing beautiful flowers. She was skilled in baking, knitting, sewing, and canning, and she loved to unwind by watching classic westerns. A true lover of nature, Joy found peace in the world around her. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca.

Joy is survived by her children, Vicki (Allan) Reese of Mesa, AZ, Kim (Rick) Louks of Finlayson, MN, Melody (Bill) Travis of Aurora, CO, Terry Whitaker of Waseca, Holly Arrington of Dothan, AL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Weir; parents; daughter, Mary Kaye Whitaker; sister, Betty Johnson.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Woodville Cemetery.