Joy Anita Murphy, also known as Nana, passed away peacefully in her home on October 3rd, 2023 at the
age of 80. She was born on June 14, 1943, in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Frank and
Elva (Mundt) Leicht.
Joy was a strong and vibrant woman. She taught everyone how to be independent, resilient, and kind.
Joy had many jobs over the years, working in auto dealerships, the Chicago theater scene, as a
hairdresser, and dedicating the last of her working years to the Ho-Chunk Nation. She enjoyed hosting
family gatherings, watching Sunday night football, and chatting on the phone with her favorite people.
She would give the shirt off her back if you asked, but she was no pushover. She would share endless
stories and wisdom from her life, experiences, and adventures. She embraced everyone with open arms
and unconditional love. She loved being Nana and to all of us, she was Nana. My Nana, your Nana, our
Nana.
We lay you to rest with our last goodnight prayer. Goodnight, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.
But if they do, take your shoe, hit them on the head, until they’re black and blue. Love you to the moon
and back, Nana.
She is survived by lots of family. Her daughters Tracy Pfaff (Byron), Leslie Duke (Scott), and Divana
Yellowcloud (Josh). And her many grandkids: Justin Pfaff (Adrianne), Xander, Maddox, Eli, Luci, Brianna
Paauwe, Mackenzie Faulkner, Jasper, Zach, Jessica Bushman (Jared), Carter, Rowan, Brittany Wailes
(Destry), Aubrey, Elijah, Rebecca, Scotlynn Duke, Maddie Pfaff, Ben Pfaff, Thea Rose, Kuno Yellowcloud,
Jaxin, Jordan, and Kiyah. Joy was very family-oriented and dedicated a huge part of her life to her
grandkids and great-grandkids.
Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elva Leicht, Son, David J Pfaff Jr, granddaughter,
Alida Mae Dalton, and best friend, Nancy Glasser.
Celebration of life services will take place at the American Legion in Black River Falls, WI on October 9th,
2023 at 1 p.m.
The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family, 715-284-2231.
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