WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Joyce C. Salsgiver, age 95, who never met a stranger and always left you smiling, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2022. She was born in Flint on May 5, 1927 to Arthur and Ethel (Calvert) Wilson. At age 11, she started piano lessons and soon her talents emerged. She graduated from Flint Central High School in 1945 and attended the Interlochen Art Camp for choir in the college division. That fall she started at MSU to study music and met the father of her children.
She continued her music while raising her family by playing weekly at the Flint Kiwanis Club and practicing daily in her home. One of the kid’s favorites was Seventy-Six Trombones. Another hobby of hers during that time was knitting. Sweaters, hats, and mittens. Lots and lots of mittens. Employment outside the home started about this time with the Fair Store, then with chiropractor Dr. Laue, WJRT Channel 12 (where she met Bozo the Clown), and McDonalds Dairy. During this time, she married Rex Salsgiver and enjoyed a rich time of camping, snowmobiling, and activities with the Shriners. This time was cut short for Rex through illness and death.
Joyce then moved to Traverse City and worked at a clock manufacturing store, remaining in Traverse City until her retirement. It was also there that her love of water aerobics began. After a fire at her apartment complex, she moved in with her daughter while the complex was rebuilt. During that time is when she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This, however, did not slow her down. In 1997 she moved back to Flint and reconnected with dear friends. She got involved with water aerobics at the YMCA, Master Singers, The Bell Choir, and Flushing Follies. She traveled to Hawaii, Europe, Las Vegas, and enjoyed cruises.
Joyce is survived and missed by her children, Marge (Jerry) Laird, Kathy Lyons, Jim Lucasse, Sandy (Mike) Lancaster; son in law, Mike Combs; ten grandchildren, Brian (Peggy Kingsbury) Laird, Jason (April) Laird, Amy (Brandon) Santoni, Jeff Lyons, Kerry Lucasse, Jon (Elaina) Lancaster, Elizabeth (Adam) Leaming, Emily (Bart) Thrower, Laura (Josh) Boulis, and Lucas Combs; fourteen great-grandchildren, Avery, Nick, Maliya, Kai, Lilly, Kenny, Amelia, Annie, Sam, Jack, Simon, Clara, Addi, and Wes; nieces and nephews, Connie (Bill) McArthur, Dave (Maureen) McLeod, Dean (Carol) McLeod, and Bruce (Lisa) McLeod; and by nephew in law, Tim Grossa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ethel Wilson; sister and brother- in-law, Mavis and Roy McLeod; and by her daughter, Kelly Combs.
A celebration of Joyce’s life was held 2 pm on August 15, 2022 at the Living Word Church, 6325 Calkins Road, Flint, MI 48532. Professional assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
