Jyl Bartel Gierczak, 69, Green Bay, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Appleton on March 3, 1954, to Jim and Florence (Bertrand) Bartel.

A graduate of Green Bay West High School, Jyl spent the majority of her working life as a hairstylist. After living in Houston, Denver, and Minneapolis, she returned to Green Bay to start her family. Like her mother, Jyl was an avid reader. She had a passion for cooking, almost always deviating from recipes, and often singing quietly while in the kitchen. She had a lifelong connection with animals. Her golden retriever, Max, brought her real joy this past year. She was also a skilled knitter and crocheter of beautiful afghans of which she made many but treated each as a special gift.

Her love of traveling meant numerous family road trips across the country, as she had taken growing up. Travels continued with her husband, Al, with the two taking many meaningful trips in recent years, including her favorite to Sedona. In addition, she loved the water, with the beaches of Nice, France and the Great Lakes being top spots.

Jyl loved connecting with clients from all walks of life, many of whom counted her as their barber - and friend - for decades. She expanded her educational background when she completed her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2009.

Family and friends will remember Jyl's kind heart, warmth and happy energy, smile, strength, and adoration of her boys; as well as the enthusiasm she had for life, new interests and conversation. She also had a strong sense of family and spirituality and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.

Jyl is survived by her husband, Al Gierczak; children, Jordan and David Nordby; siblings, Jan (Jack) Sparks and Jay (Teri) Bartel; stepchildren, Gabe Nordby, Heather (Todd) VanEss, Crystal (John) Natzke, and Craig (Chelsea) Gierczak; nieces, Heather (Chad) Warpinski and Alli (Jeff) Ringblom; nephews Chris (Elise) Bartel and Tom Sparks. Additional survivors include former husband, Daniel Nordby; many sisters- and brothers-in-law; dear friends, Tom Irwin, Teri Nordby, and Lynn (Wayne) Wians; and many more friends and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, aunts and uncles; and cousins, including, Mary Jo Barch, Kay Bertrand, Barb Nass, Joan Campshure, Greg Bertrand and John Loritz.

A private funeral will be held. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The family extends its thanks to her doctors. It also extends a special thank you to the staff at Unity Meng Hospice Residence for making her final hours so comfortable.