Junior Harry Noyes, age 96, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Tomah Health. Junior was born on May 15, 1930, in Babcock, Wisconsin, to George and Lillian (Churchill) Noyes. He attended Tarr Valley School and graduated from Tomah High School. Following graduation, he attended food service school in Texas, where he learned the art of cooking and baking. He later furthered his education by attending dry cleaning school in Illinois.
Throughout his life, Junior was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He held a variety of positions over the years, including prep cook at Carney & Riley Truck Stop in Tomah, kitchen worker at the Tomah VA Hospital, furniture upholsterer at Kroehler Manufacturing in Naperville, Illinois, cook at Fort McCoy, and dry cleaner and route salesman with Band Box Cleaners in Tomah, where he faithfully served the community for 33½ years. After retirement, he continued giving back to others by working and volunteering as a Disabled Service Aide at the Tomah Senior Center from 2009 until 2018. In recognition of their years of dedicated volunteer service, community involvement, and commitment to the citizens of the City of Tomah, Junior and his wife were honored with the Mayor’s Award in 2018.
Junior proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. During his military service, he was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and at Fort Hood and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. His time in the Army reflected the dedication and pride that would continue throughout his life. He was also a longtime member of American Legion Post #201 in Tomah.
On October 3, 1964, Junior was united in marriage to the love of his life, Evelyn Belk, at the Mauston Methodist Church. They shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began with a playful game of back-and-forth glances between the Mauston Restaurant and the movie theater. From that simple beginning grew a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Junior and Evelyn treasured their special date nights at the Crystal Grand in Wisconsin Dells. Junior’s love of music began in his younger years at dance hall dances, where he learned the two-step, waltz, polka, and many other dances. Throughout his life, music and dancing continued to be among his greatest joys. Junior and Evelyn enjoyed researching their family history together, a shared passion that led Junior to serve as a board member of the Monroe, Juneau, and Jackson Counties Genealogy Society.
Their greatest blessing came on January 25, 1967, with the birth of their daughter, Cindy. Junior was incredibly proud to be her father and treasured every moment watching her grow.
Junior was especially known throughout the Tomah community for his homemade bread, which he faithfully baked each year for the Annual Tomah Senior Center Craft Sale. With love and dedication, he would bake between 100-200 loaves annually, with all the proceeds benefiting the Tomah Senior Center. His bread quickly became a beloved tradition, and many customers returned year after year, often purchasing several loaves to share with family and friends. His generosity and baking became one of the many ways he gave back to the community he loved.
Junior will be remembered for his warm smile, cheerful spirit, and unwavering optimism. He always seemed to find the bright side of life and had a genuine kindness that made everyone feel welcome. His positive attitude and friendly nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughter, Cindy (Chad) Storkel; his grandchildren, Hunter (Payton Petsche) and Sierra (Brad Wartzok); and his special nieces and nephews, Mary (Donald) Bergum, Ronald (Nani) Betcher, Allan (Susan) Betcher, and Fernando (Patricia) Marin-Noyes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillian Noyes; his brother, Samuel Noyes; his sister, Alyce Betcher, sister-in-law, Alta Noyes, nephew, Dennis Erickson, and nieces, Judy Erickson, and Debra Smith.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Tomah. Pastor Fran Hewuse will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, as well as on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
