Joy A. Tuma

Joy (Hildahl) Tuma, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Friday evening the 28^th of August in her home surrounded by loved ones. Joy was 79 years old.

Joy was born June 29^th, 1936 in Brownsville, MN to Jack and Mary Blair. She married Donnie Hildahl in 1955 and had two children before his passing in 1963. Joy was a strong woman who raised two children on her own all while pursuing an education. She remarried Ron Tuma in 1979 and was happily married for 35 years. She worked for Kemps Marigold as an Office Manager until her retirement in 1997.

Joy loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, golfing, bowling, reading and the La Crosse Community Theatre. She enjoyed volunteering for many organizations including the local elementary schools, Meals On Wheels, and delivering books to the elderly. She also had a reputation for bringing the world’s-best homemade bars and cookies to family functions.

Joy is survived by her children, Steve (Sue) Hildahl and Julie Hildahl; sisters, Darlene McGinnis and Judy Bauer; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; stepson, Brett Tuma; and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mary Blair; husbands, Donnie Hildahl and Ron Tuma; a brother Bob Blair and an infant daughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to local La Crosse charities.

Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 31, at 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 130 Losey Blvd. South. Visitation will also be from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Tuesday. Rev. Peter Raj will officiate.