Joyce Elaine Johnston

Joyce Elaine Johnston 88, of Buchanan, Michigan, passed away on May 20th, 2026, at Buchanan Meadows Living Center. She was born on January 5, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Marie Wenthe.

Joyce will not be easily forgotten by those whose lives she touched. She remained independent, spirited, and true to herself until the very end. She loved deeply and fought for the causes she believed in, donating both time and money to environmental and animal welfare organizations, including the Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Timber Wolf Preservation Society, and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.

Joyce married artist Robert Johnston in 1962. They met at Hastings College in Nebraska, where he taught in the Art Department and she was a music major focusing on voice. They lived in several states throughout Robert's academic career before settling in Southwest Michigan, and raised a family together, while Robert taught primarily Art History at Western Michigan University.

Joyce shared her lifelong love of music by playing organ and piano for weddings and church services, primarily at St. Luke’s Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Joyce was a huge baseball fan, and remained true to her beloved Milwaukee Brewers. A few years after Robert's passing, she returned to Milwaukee, a city that always held a special place in her heart.

Often found with a book in hand, Joyce also enjoyed visiting art galleries, museums, classic car shows, and theatrical productions, particularly at small and unique venues. She loved classic movies shown in vintage theaters, walks in the park, and exploring new places. Friends and family knew her as an excellent tour guide.

Joyce was fiercely proud of her father William Wenthe, who cofounded Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Company, with founding partner Arthur Davidson of Harley-Davidson, at 31st and Cherry Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and now located in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The company has been in business since 1941, and is now wholly employee owned.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Robert Johnston, and sons Andrew Johnston and Michael Johnston.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Paula Johnston; grandchildren Ashley Hillard, Adam Johnston, and Ayden Johnston; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 2:15 p.m. Joyce will be laid to rest at Wildey Cemetery immediately following.