Joyce Irene Platz beloved and treasured, mother grandmother, great & great-great grandmother, Aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Wexford Senior Care Center in Cadillac. Mrs. Platz was 95 and never stopped smiling, never lost her spunk, and never stopped showing what perseverance was. She loved her family and they loved her right back. With Joyce you were only a stranger if you chose to be.

Joyce loved farming, gardening, bingo, the casino and most of all feeding the birds, deer and bears. She also liked her game shows. She knew how to forage and taught her children how to live off of the land.

Joyce was born April 9, 1931, in Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised in Hoxeyville where she graduated high school in 1950. She was the daughter of Neva L. (Bigelow) Williams and raised by her grandparents, Ernest and Goldia Bigelow.

On September 7, 1953 in Cadillac she married Oscar Platz and they made their home and raised their family near Boon.

Oscar and Joyce always had dogs that they raised. After his passing in 2007 she kept this tradition up, the breed just got smaller- Chihuahua small. In the litter from 2010 one pup stood out, a black and white one, she lovingly named Midget. The last few weeks have been hard on both of them and with Joyce’s passing, Midget could use some good vibes.

Left to treasure the memories they have are: her brother, David (Carmen) Williams of Grantville, GA; seven children, Pauline (Mark) Giberson of Mesick, Rex (Lisa) Platz of Cadillac, Lem (Melissa O’Brien) Platz of Copemish, Mark Platz of Boon, Penny (Buzz) Yaklin of Weidman, Patsy Platz of Frankfort and Patti (Steve) McBrian of Boon; 16 grandkids over 23 great grandkids, four great-great grandkids; Midget and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by: daughter, Kay Platz in 1953, son, Danny Platz in 2013; grandson, Billy Platz in 2012; great granddaughter, Allyssa McBrian in 2011; husband and parents.

A celebration of life will take place at 1 PM, July 26th at the Henderson Township Hall , ,2076 W. 46 Rd., Cadillac, MI 49601. Joyce will be laid to rest at Bankers Cemetery both in Hoxeyville.