Joyce Elaine Christenson

Joyce Elaine Christenson, 66, of La Porte, IN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born on February 11, 1959, in La Porte, IN, to Robert and Faye (Grassmeyer) Steigely.

On June 27, 1992, Joyce married Arthur J. Christenson, who survives. Also surviving are her 3 daughters, Cristina (Mike) Martin of Fort Wayne, Darcia (Adam) Simpkins of La Porte, and Samantha (Daniel Cetera) Christenson of La Porte; grandchildren, Natalie and Valarie Martin of Fort Wayne, Adam Jr., Gavin and Ava Simpkins of La Porte, and Finnegan Cetera and soon-to-be baby Alina of La Porte; mother-in-law, Karen Christenson of Meridian, ID; sisters, Vicki Travis of La Porte and Laurie Parsons of La Porte; brother, Guy Steigely of Chicago; sister-in-law, Cynthia (Jeff) Abbate of Beaverton, OR; brothers-in-law, Dave Kampf of La Porte and Rick (Melissa) Christenson of Boise, ID; nieces, Brandi (AJ) Glanders, Allison (Kelly) Burke, Sara (Dusty) Kling, Rachel (Mitch) Steigely, Emily (Dylan) Connor, and Tiffany Parsons; nephews, Dylan Travis, Michael Parsons and Robert Rivera; aunts, Libby Marshall of La Porte and Pam Lang of La Porte; and uncles, Dale Grassmeyer of Tulsa, OK and Norm Steigely of Kewanna, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, James Christenson; brothers, Mark and Russell Steigely; brothers-in-law, Gary Travis and Jeff Parsons; twin sister and best friend, Julie Kampf, and grandparents, Fred (Ruth) Steigely and Ray (Ruth) Grassmeyer.

Joyce worked various jobs during her life including 25 dedicated years at Kmart. She enjoyed her time as a teller at a local credit union and later as an inspector at a scrapbooking manufacturer. Joyce took pride in her work and made many friendships. She loved the people she met along the way.

In her younger years, Joyce enjoyed bowling and spent many nights at the lanes laughing with friends and celebrating every strike. She loved reading, playing bingo and watching her favorite cooking shows. Joyce was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, and an avid fan of New Prairie High School sports. She also loved watching her grandsons participate in their demolition derbies.

One of her greatest joys was spending time at the softball fields. She loved watching her daughter play growing up and she made some of her closest lifelong friends sitting in those bleachers. Later, nothing made her happier than watching her granddaughters play softball as well. Those games, those memories, and those friendships meant so much to her.

Above all, Joyce was known for her warmth, humor, and the joys she brought to every room she entered. She had a natural gift for making people laugh even during her hardest parts of life. Her fun loving spirit, quick wit, and big heart made her truly unforgettable.

Most importantly, Joyce dearly loved her family. Nothing made her happier than watching her daughters and grandchildren grow. Her pride in them was unmatched and she embraced her role as a wife, mom, and grandma with endless love and laughter.

Joyce was sweet, kind, funny, and stronger than most people ever knew. A beautiful soul who touched everyone who knew her. Joyce will be deeply missed by everyone who loved her. This is not a goodbye, but rather a "See you later". We take comfort in knowing that we will meet again one day. And until that time comes, we will carry her love, her laughter, and her spirit with us always.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Chaplain Rob Dorow officiating.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.