Joyce L. Wohlbrandt

Joyce Wohlbrandt "The Hug Lady", 73, formerly of Washington, died August 21, 2012 at Belleville. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 24, at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. Rev. Kathy Aeillo and Rev. Rex Fuller officiated. Sheila Ouellette played the organ while Dr. James Smart sang "Amazing Grace" and "Old Rugged Cross". The pallbearers were Tom Skinner, Tim Skinner, Brian Piersee, Craig Jackson, Travis Reith and Tom Huffman. Burial was in the Hollenberg Cemetery, Hollenberg, KS. Joyce was born July 1, 1939 at Odell, NE, one of three triplets born to Frank and Lola (Elder) Mahlman. This was the only set of triplets ever born in the Odell Hospital. Joyce grew up on a farm near Hollenberg and graduated from Hollenberg High School in 1958. On January 15, 1961, she married Kenneth Wohlbrandt at the United Methodist Church in Washington. She was a homemaker and ran a daycare. She also operated the J&K Cafe in Elmwood, NE. In 1986, Kenneth and Joyce moved to Washington. Joyce was a loving caring person and enjoyed writing letters, dancing, painting pictures, laughing, visiting, giving gifts, playing Santa and making scalloped corn. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth, on November 1, 2006; son, Bradford Wohlbrandt; daughter, Denise Wohlbrandt; infant triplet siblings, Derald and Jannette Mahlman; and grandson, Tommie Skinner. Survivors include her daughter, Nyla (Tom) Skinner; son, Rex Wohlbrandt, all of Scandia; and grandsons, Tim Skinner and fiance, Jonna Breshears, and Zachary Wohlbrandt. A memorial fund has been established to the American Lung Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joyce L. Wohlbrandt, please visit our flower store.