Joyce Louise Alsteen

Joyce Louise Alsteen, age 73, of Rhinelander, died on January 8, 2025, after a courageous battle against cancer. She was born on August 11, 1951, the daughter of Eldore “Jack” and Adeline (Greening) Seefeldt.

Joyce moved to Rhinelander around 1976 for work. She met and later married Timothy “Doc” Alsteen on November 24, 1979, in Spencer. 

In 1977 she started driving school bus for Schilleman’s Bus Service. She continued driving a school bus for Bowen’s Bus Service when they became the sole bus service for the School District of Rhinelander in 2009. Spanning 47 years, Joyce drove exclusively for special education and early childhood students until her health would not allow her to drive any longer. Joyce transported hundreds of children and even saw generations of families transported through her bus. She truly loved every minute of being their bus driver. For over two decades, Joyce and family also delivered the Star Journal newspaper together which created family remembrance.

Just shy of their 30-year anniversary, Doc preceded her in an unexpected death in October of 2010.

Joyce was a longtime member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and served in various capacities including on the altar guild, board of education, and as a counter.

Although never living in Minnesota, she was a lifelong Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan. Joyce enjoyed reading, puzzle books, crocheting, sewing, and spending time enjoying the weather outside on the swing or on a pontoon boat ride with special friends. Joyce took great pride in helping to raise both Bellarene and Brighton.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy “Doc”; her parents, Eldore “Jack” and Adeline Seefeldt; and her grandsons, Noah, Jonah, and Micah. 

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Trista Alsteen; her son, Shannon (Rachel Simon) Alsteen; her grandchildren, Bellarene and Brighton Walkowski, Caitlin, Brayden, and Jackson Alsteen; her siblings, Trudy Carey, Mark (Vicky) Seefeld, Rhonda (Joe) Weix, Duane (Rendean) Seefeldt, and Darold Seefeldt; her siblings-in-law, Jolynn (Randy) Hill, Steve (Lisa) Alsteen, Wendy Novitzke, and Kathi (Warren) Hoganson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She will truly be missed by many, including her church family at St. Mark.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Compassus Home Health and Compassus Hospice which allowed her to stay at home in her family’s care.

There will be a visitation for Joyce on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Rhinelander from 10 a.m. to noon, with a memorial service following at noon, Rev Richard Miller will be officiating. You may leave your private condolences for the Alsteen family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.