Joyce Ann Benkert, age 85, of Rockford, Michigan (formerly Grand Rapids) passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018. Born October 18, 1932 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, she grew up in Celina, Ohio. Joyce graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where she met her husband David in Chapel Choir. She majored in Voice in college, earned her teaching certificate and taught kindergarten and first grade for 28 years at Northview Public Schools. She had a beautiful voice and sang in choirs throughout her life; solos were her specialty. Joyce and Dave loved to travel with family and friends, and enjoyed trips to many places, including Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. A family trip to Switzerland was particularly memorable. She was a great cook, loved to entertain and was always happy to share a recipe. She enjoyed golf and spending time at the family cottage on the Pere Marquette River. Joyce is survived by her husband of 63 years David, daughter Nancy Merdzinski and son-in-law Paul, grandson Steve Merdzinski and his wife Meagan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd., S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The funeral will be held Monday, April 16, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506. Rev. Robert Linstrom officiating. Donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, https://tlcgr.org/, or the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan, 260 Jefferson SE, Ste. 210, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. https://parkinsonswm.org/donate/
