Joyce Drilling

Monday, May 8, 2017 4:26 pm

Joyce Drilling, 74, of St. Lucas, died Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis., following a lengthy illness. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, with Rev. Kyle Digmann officiating. Mass servers were Shayla and Rory Kuennen. Cross bearer was Sayler Drilling. Organist was Kathy Meyer. Cantor was Don DiLaura. St. Luke’s Choir sang “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” “Peace is Flowing Like a River” and “Amazing Grace.” Lector was Jamie Croatt. Eucharistic ministers were Karla Langreck, Clair Dietzenbach, Barb Reicks and Darlene Schwamman. Offertory gift bearers were Samantha Gage, Nicole Winter, Paige Rustad and Emily Busta. Honorary casket bearers were Brennen and Carson Busta. Casket bearers were Alex Rustad, Michael Drilling, Ryan Busta, Eric Drilling, Evan Drilling, Brad Winter and Morgan Gage. Interment was at St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery at St. Lucas. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Joyce Barbara, the daughter of Linus and Leona (Huber) Croatt was born May 14,1942. She graduated from St Luke’s Catholic High School. She was united in marriage with Loras Drilling June 4,1963, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. They were blessed with five children: Bev, Brian, Tom, Laura and Greg. She assisted her husband with his tiling and construction business while raising their five children and caring for her parents in their later years. She enjoyed attending auctions and collecting antiques. Joyce was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing cards. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her 13 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. She loved spending time at her weekend retreat in Faribault, Minn. as well as the family’s vacation every August. Joyce was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, National Catholic Society of Foresters for 69 years, St. Luke’s Catholic Church and Rosary Society.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Loras; five children and spouses: Bev (Gary) Rustad of Decorah, Brian (Kelli) Drilling of St. Lucas, Tom (Chris) Drilling of St. Lucas, Laura (Steve) Busta of Fort Atkinson and Greg (Jess) Drilling of Waucoma; 13 grandchildren: Alex Rustad (Fiancée Jackie Tursso) of Rogers, Minn., Paige Rustad of La Crosse, Wis., Samantha (Morgan) Gage of Waucoma, Michael Drilling of St. Lucas, Eric and Evan Drilling of St. Lucas, Nicole (Brad) Winter of Protivin, Ryan, Emily, and Carson Busta of Fort Atkinson, Sayler, Brennan, and Ella Drilling of Waucoma; two great-granddaughters, Haven and Dailyn Gage; her mother, Leona Croatt, Decorah; brother, Victor (Mary) Croatt, St. Lucas; brother and sisters-in-law, Darlyn Schmitt, Waucoma, Earl Jr. and Kathleen Drilling, Waucoma, Audrey Drilling, St. Lucas, Suzy Pederson, Hastings, Minn. and Jack and Sue Drilling, Decorah.

She is preceded in death by her father, Linus Croatt; mother and father-in-law, Earl Sr. and Velma Drilling; brother-in-laws, Luke Schmitt and Daryl Drilling; and nephew, Robert Croatt.