Joy L. Strunk, a 62-year-old woman from Oley, Pennsylvania, tragically passed away on July 9, 2019. She was born on November 19, 1956, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of the late Dorothy and Dr. Roland Griesemer. Joy worked as an administrative manager for many years at the American Belt Company and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Spangsville.
She was also a 1974 graduate of Boyertown High School and enjoyed taking care of her gardens.
Joy's death was part of a tragic murder-suicide incident. On the morning of July 9, 2019, firefighters responded to a house fire at her home on Creeks Edge Road in Oley. Upon arrival, they found Joy's body outside the home and her husband, 62-year-old Stefan Strunk, sitting outside with a gunshot wound. Stefan had killed Joy before setting their house on fire and then turned the gun on himself. Police determined that Joy's gunshot wound was not self-inflicted, and a revolver found next to her body had been fired four times.
The couple had a history of domestic issues, and friends had urged Joy to leave her marriage. According to police, Stefan Strunk had a history of abusive behavior, including controlling and verbal abuse. The tragic incident has deepened the conversation about domestic violence in the community and highlighted the need for greater awareness and support for victims.
The case was investigated by the Central Berks Regional Police Department, but no arrests or further litigation followed, as the incident was determined to be a murder-suicide. The community has since been working to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support to those affected by it.
