Joyce Leota McCracken

Born on a chilly winter day, January 31, 1934, in Winona, Minnesota, Joyce often joked that as the fourth daughter born to Herman and Ione Pahnke, her parents had been hoping for a boy. How lucky the world is that it got Joyce instead. Two brothers would eventually follow, but Joyce’s arrival brought a special light that never dimmed.

Joyce earned her degree in education from Mankato State University and went on to dedicate over 40 years of her life to teaching and nurturing young people. She worked as an elementary school teacher, a special education professional, and later as an administrator. Her love for children and her passion for education never waned. Even in her later years, she found joy in reading to the children at the daycare center in her senior living community, a testament to her enduring kindness and generous spirit.

In June 1957, Joyce married Warren “Tedd” Hubbard in Mankato, Minnesota. Together, they raised two children, Jeff and Kari, while living in Rochester, MN. Though their marriage ended after 25 years, they remained friends and loving parents. In 1994, Joyce found love again with Robert “Bob” McCracken. The two shared many happy years in Naples, Florida, until Bob’s passing in 2014.

One of Joyce’s greatest joys was spending time at her cherished cabin on Sand Lake in Cumberland, Wisconsin, which she referred to as her “happy place.” Summers were filled with friendship, laughter, sunshine, boat rides, frog and turtle catching adventures, puzzles, and treasured family memories. Joyce found deep peace and happiness by the water, and it brings comfort to know that her ashes will be laid to rest under a tree on “The Point,” where she can forever overlook the lake she so dearly loved.

Joyce’s legacy lives on in her loving children, Jeff Hubbard (Lisa) and Kari Hubbard (Stephen Gorde), and her adored grandsons: Dylan Hubbard, Trevor Witt (Anya O’Connor), Parker Witt, and Hayden Witt. She is also survived by her dear brother, Donald Pahnke. She was preceded in death by her siblings Mary Jane, Lois, Virginia, and David.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held in an open house format on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 PM:

Boutwells Landing Senior Living – Steamboat Lounge

5600 Norwich Parkway

Oak Park Heights, MN 55082

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Boutwells Landing and Lakeview Hospice for the loving care and companionship they gave Joyce in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Joyce’s memory to Presbyterian Homes – Boutwells Landing or Lakeview Hospital Hospice, organizations that helped her live her final chapter with love, dignity, and grace.

Joyce will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, humor, and unshakable love for her family. She touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.