Date of Birth:
Tuesday, November 26, 1940
Date of Death:
Friday, December 26, 2025
Age:
85 years old

Joyce Ellen Wear

Joyce Ellen Wear, 85, of Rochester, MN, died Friday, December 26^th, 2025 in her home at Meadow Lakes Senior Living, surrounded by family.

Joyce was born November 26^th, 1940, in Northfield, MN to Harry and Viola (Stanforth) Henwood. She grew up with lots of family and friends nearby, graduating from Northfield High School.  She met Woodrow Lau and married him at the age of 18, giving birth to three children: Lora, Steven and Julie.  Woodrow passed away soon after their third child was born.  Joyce then married her best friend Robert (Bob) Lewis Wear on August 28^th, 1965.  Bob added four children to the family: Dave, Kenny, Jim and Denise.  They then later added an eighth child to the family: Diane.

Being a mom and homemaker was at the heart of Joyce’s life. She provided daycare for neighborhood families and later worked outside the home, but her devotion to caring for others never wavered. Joyce was a mother figure not only to her eight children, but also to the children in her community, her kids’ friends, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the animals she loved.

Joyce found joy in spending time with family and friends, whether it was playing cards and games, bowling, or simply sharing coffee and a meal. She especially loved playing Bingo and visiting the casino—not just for the thrill, but for the chance to see familiar faces. Joyce earned a reputation as the “plant doctor,” thanks to her remarkable ability to nurture wilted plants back to health and transform them into beautiful, thriving blooms. After Bob’s passing, she began volunteering at Paws & Claws Humane Society, where she met her beloved cat Elfie, who remained by her side until her final moments.

She is survived by her children, Dave Wear of Shelton, WA, Kenny (Carol) Wear of Goodyear, AZ,  Steve (Lana) Lau of Rochester, MN, Denise Yahnke of Fairmont, MN, Julie Lau, and Diane (Keith) Theobald of Byron, MN; her sister that was more like a daughter, Terri Henwood of Rochester, MN; sister Valarie (Randy) Denison of Northfield, MN, brother Ted Henwood; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, one sister, daughter, son, and three son-in-laws.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 31^st, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Pastor Karen Foster officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester at a later date for family only.

In Joyce’s memory any monetary gifts will be donated to Paws & Claws Humane Society.