Joyce E. Novey

Joyce Eileen (Chappell) Novey, age 84, of La Crosse, WI, passed away on August 28, 2025. Joyce was born in Oelwein, Iowa, on May 29, 1941, to George and Ruth (Kamoss) Chappell. Her family resided in various locations in Iowa during her childhood years: Strawberry Point, Randall, Littleport, and McGregor. Joyce worked at the family’s Dairy Bar in McGregor during her high school years. She took the Junior Secretarial Course at the Cedar Rapids Business College, after which she worked as a legal secretary for Peterson, Antoine, & Peterson Law Office in Prairie du Chien, WI.

Joyce married Ronald Novey on June 22, 1968. They resided in Prairie du Chien and were blessed with one son, Michael. Ron and Joyce enjoyed many years of bowling together and traveling with Tri-State Tours throughout the United States. In 1989, while still at the law office, Joyce also started working part-time at the Metro Theatre and Showboat Cinema in Prairie du Chien as a box office cashier. In 1994, these theaters closed, and Joyce then briefly worked at both the law office and the new Star Cinema (now Prairie Cinema). She remained at Prairie Cinema until 2021, at which time she moved to Cass Street Assisted Living in La Crosse where she cultivated many friendships and enjoyed participating in all the activities. She mentored new residents and loved being on the activity council.

Joyce is survived by her son Mike (Laura) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Jenny, and Adam Novey; brother Gary (Mary) Chappell; brothers-in-law Gary Peterson and Melvin Novey; nephews Jon (Kelly) Peterson, Josh (Stephanie) Chappell, and Chris (Claire) Chappell; niece Laura (Mike Henkes) Chappell; great-nieces Paige (Justin) Carey, Brooklyn Henkes, Gracelyn Chappell, and Virginia Chappell; great-nephew George Chappell; and great-great nephews Jack and Bowen Carey. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents George and Ruth; husband Ron; preborn grandchild Morgan Novey; mother-in-law Alene Novey; father-in-law George Novey; sister Jean Peterson; and sister-in-law Donna Novey.

A funeral will be held at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 S. Michigan St., Prairie du Chien, on Friday, September 5, at 9:30 a.m. The church will also livestream the service. The family requests no flowers. Schumacher - Kish Funeral and Cremation in La Crosse is serving the family.