Joyce Perkins

Joyce Perkins, 83, Woodstock, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 12, 1930, in Woodstock to Mamie and John Tornow.

On Sept. 2, 1950, she married Donald L. Perkins.

They enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. 

She worked as the secretary of Westwood School in Woodstock and then as the executive director’s secretary at Pioneer Center in McHenry. She was very involved at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Union, where she was baptized, confirmed, married and played the organ for 58 years. She also taught Sunday school and served in Stephen Ministry, Ladies Aid and the altar guild.

Survivors include three daughters, Deb (John) Silker, Woodstock, Gail Perkins, Woodstock, and Lori (Phil) Hempen, Crystal Lake; a son, Don Perkins II, Algonquin; six grandchildren, Doran (Cori) Silker, Nikki (Drew) Kunde, Kate Silker, Shelly Hempen, Genna Hempen and Sammi Jo Hempen; three great-grandchildren, Dylan Kunde and Evan and Maddison Victorin; a sister, Jo Rizzo; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John (Bud) Tornow; and a sister, Bets Freund.

Visitation was Sept. 29 and 30 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Union. A celebration of her life was Sept. 30 at the church. Interment followed at Union Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Fredrick Funeral Home, Hampshire.

Donations can be sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St., Union, IL 60180 or Journeycare Hospice, 527 W. South St., Woodstock, IL 60098.