Joyce Freiburger, 64, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at her home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM.

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a Mass of Christian Burial for Joyce will be 10:30 am Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman.

Joyce was born February 2, 1960, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Melvin “Boots” and Virginia “Trixie” (Ritt) Schmitt. Joyce grew up on a farm in Sherrill and made lots of memories with her siblings, cousins, and friends. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1978 and went on to work at Pepsi Cola and the Copper Kettle. Joyce and Francis (Frank) were married on November 16, 1985, at St Peter and Paul Church in Sherrill, Iowa. They went on to have two children Jordan and Elizabeth (Ellie). Joyce enjoyed various jobs throughout her life like Medical Associates and Rite Hite, but always thrived working as a waitress and server. Joyce worked at Rhodys, the Dubuque Country Club, and most recently at the Moracco. Joyce also fed “the little darlings” as a lunch lady for Resurrection School and for the Dubuque Community School District.

Joyce truly was the hostess with the mostest on the job and at her home. Everyone that came to her house left with a full belly, smile, and a plate to-go. She was an exceptional cook and baker. Her freezer was full of homemade cookies, brownies, cake, and snacks ready for anytime someone would stop by. Joyce and Frank enjoyed traveling all throughout their marriage and made numerous friends during their trips. She loved to talk, shop, quilt, spend time with friends and family, and of course talk.

Joyce will fondly be remembered by those who knew her as having a Diet Pepsi in hand and a story to share.

Left to honor Joyce is her husband of 38 years, Frank; a son, Jordan of Dubuque; a daughter, Elizabeth “Ellie” Wintermote and her husband Mote of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Lucy and Violet Wintermote; one sister, Janice Freiburger of Peosta; two brothers, Dennis Schmitt and his wife Debbie, and David Schmitt, both of Sherrill; five sisters-in-law Crystal and friend Leddy of Sherrill, Mary Ann and her husband Joe Barker of Dyersville, Agnes Cannon of Manchester, Anne Freiburger of Ankeny, and Rose Freiburger of Austin, Texas; and three brothers-in law, Joe Freiburger, Tom Freiburger, Louis Freiburger and his wife Vicki, all of Manchester. Joyce will also be remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce is reunited in death with her parents, grandparents, in-laws Earl and Alice Freiburger of Manchester, her brother, Dale Schmitt, and brother-in-laws, John Freiburger and Dave Cannon.

Joyce’s family would like to thank the devoted caregivers and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion and guidance, Dr. Mark Hermann and Tony Heiar of Dubuque Oncology for their expertise as well as Dr. Carlos Chan and Dr. Chandrikha at the University of Iowa. Joyce fought hard for two and a half years with your help.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Joyce’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.