It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Marie Sporrer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She departed this world peacefully on March 17, 2026 at the age of 78 after a courageous 12-year battle with cancer. Joyce was born on June 13, 1947 in Menominee, MI to Lawrence Gilbert and Marie Gilbert.
On June 6, 1970, Joyce married the love of her life, William Sporrer, at St. Joseph Church in Porterfield. Together they shared nearly 56 years filled with laughter and love. They raised three children, Tina (Mark) Mech, Tammy (Jeff) Lowis and Todd Sporrer; and had 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Joyce graduated from Menominee High School in 1965. She worked at Emerson Electric and Fish, Net & Twine until she dedicated herself to raising her kids. Once graduated, she worked at KSU until she retired.
Joyce was an active member of the Loomis Legion Auxiliary where she served as treasurer for 10 years. She also volunteered at the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Hospital. Joyce’s passions were gardening, playing and coaching softball, and long walks with her dog, Max. She loved camping with friends and family, cross country trips with her husband and taking an Alaskan cruise with her family.
Joyce was known for her kind heart, bright smile and sense of humor. Joyce’s life was a testament to the love and devotion to her family with her final words, “Stick together no matter what. Family is the most important thing.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Gilbert and Marie Gilbert Dugan; step-father, Tim Dugan, Sr.; her brother, Tim Dugan, Jr.; a daughter, Ann Marie Sporrer; a granddaughter, Shannon Mech; and a brother-in-law, Glenn Meyers.
Her surviving family includes husband, William Sporrer; daughters, Tina (Mark) Mech and Tammy (Jeff) Lowis; son, Todd Sporrer; brothers, Jerry (Barb) Gilbert and Mark (Mark) Gilbert Flores; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the caring doctors and nurses at Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area for everything they did for Joyce and Bill; and also want to thank the family and friends who took time to help and spend time with the family.
In keeping with her wishes, no formal service will be held.
Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the family.
