Joyce Ellen Petzka

September 08, 1949 - December 24, 2023

Obituary For Joyce Ellen Petzka

The gift of Joyce was given to the world on September 8, 1949. The youngest of two daughters, Joyce and her sister Sharon were born in Merrill, Wisconsin to Ruth (né Berg) and Rudolgh Petzka. It was in Merrill that she learned the gift of friendship and family and gained her lifelong love of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin cheese.

While the bonds she formed in Wisconsin would continue throughout her life, Joyce was an adventurer and left Merrill after high school to begin a career in Washington D.C. For nearly fifty years Joyce would give of herself in public service as a fingerprint and shoe print analyst with the FBI in Washington and later with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Wake County City-County Bureau of Identification. She would form many lifelong friendships with her coworkers who recognized her faithfulness, honesty, diligent work ethic, and sense of humor. She was immensely proud of the work that she did in public service, sharing what she could of stories ripped from the headlines and wittingly reminding and warning her friends of her finely honed investigative skills.

Upon moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, Joyce found a spiritual community to share her gift of music at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. Here she would form the closest of friendships that would become family for the remainder of her life. A few years later at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, these relationships would continue while countless others would come to know the gift of her friendship. Joyce would make this family of friends central to her life, enjoying holidays and vacations with them as well as walking the joys and challenges of life together.

After retiring from public service Joyce would continue giving her time and talents to the Music Ministry of St. Francis. Always most comfortable standing in the background, Joyce was at the forefront of all the efforts of music ministry at the parish by organizing, supporting, and caring for the needs of all the ministers. She developed many systems of organization that will continue to serve the community for many years to come.

Joyce’s life and faith in Jesus Christ will be celebrated in music, word, and prayer. Her funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 27 at 11 am at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, North Carolina. A reception will follow with details to be announced.

Services

27 Jan

Mass

11:00 AM

St. Francis of Assisi Church 11401 Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 27613 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

January 27, 2024

Susan L Deprez

Joyce was my cousin, and I remember many fun days at our grandparents' farm in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Condolences to Sharon and all of her friends.--Susan Deprez
January 25, 2024

Katie G.

I met Joyce when I was in the third grade just starting children choir at St. Francis. She showed me how the music was organized and where I could find everything. She will be missed greatly, but her organization follows me throughout my days.
January 21, 2024

Karen Morrow

"JEP"- you taught me so much in my career and you were so patient while training me in impression evidence. The days of the "Old Latent Section" are memories I will treasure forever and I am so honored to share them with you and the others. I pray you are finally resting and singing with the angels. You will be missed Joyce! God Bless you and your family and your beloved Green Bay Packers! Karen Morrow- NCSBI/NCSCL Latent Evidence, Raleigh
January 18, 2024

Cyndi Schnupper

Joyce was a beautiful person with the most generous spirit and giving smile. She had a light that drew people to her, and her family by choice will surely miss her dearly as will the rest of her friends.
January 08, 2024

Patrice Sutton

Joyce was such a beautiful soul. We met many, many years ago at NCSU when we both went to complete our degrees. We continued our friendship throughout the decades. Heaven has quite a precious angel now!
January 07, 2024

Teresa Ivey

Joyce will definitely be missed!!!!!! Enjoyed working with her and enjoyed her friendship over the years. We had a lot of good times together. Prayers for her family and friends. Miss you my sweet friend!!!!
January 07, 2024

Angelina Tirbwville

I was shocked to get the email about Joyce. Joyce was always a sweet lady. I remember when we worked at the SBI, she brought in some homemade cookies which I thought were delicious. She gave me the recipe which I'm ashamed to say I lost it in my three house moves. I made them and took them into work. At the time I was working with Harold Nance and he just couldn't believe that I had made them cause he said they looked to perfect. It was a recipe as she put from her own state of Wisconsin. Rest in Peace Ms. Joyce Petzka, prayers for her family. Angelina Turbeville 1/7/24
January 06, 2024

Dee & Leonard Parker
January 06, 2024

Dee & Leonard Parker

There are no sufficient words to convey what Joyce meant to so many of us within the State Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Information Identification Section and the Latent Evidence Section. During her career she served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, and the City County Bureau of Identification. She served with poise, grace and professionalism. Heartfelt sympathy to the family and her many friends. God bless you and keep you and comfort you as only HE can. Joyce, rest in peace and rise in glory. Leonard & Dee Parker SBI (Retired)
January 05, 2024

Susan Harrison

Joyce was always a Friend while with the NCSBI!! She had a heart of Gold, would help anyone that she could and never turned her back on anyone!!! She will be missed and always loved in Friendship by so many!!! Prayers for all of her Friends and her Sister.