Joyce R. Gauer

Gauer, Joyce R. (Nee Tarkowski) Age 84, died September 4, 2009 with family at her side. Preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ladis Tarkowski; beloved daughter, Teri (Janssen); caring niece, Lynne (Hansen); and only brother, Eddie. Survived by daughter and son-in-law, Lori (Bob) Wucherer; grandson, Scott (Jennifer) Janssen; great-grandsons, Ryan and Justin; loving niece, San Dee (Phil) Francis and their family, Scott (Danielle) Schutten, Stacy Joyce (Nick) Sommerville, Sean Schutten, JP and Jacob Francis; sister-in-law, Dolores Tarkowski; sister, Gloria Sprotte; nieces and nephews, Bill (Robin), Janet (George), David (Lynn), Rick, Mary, Julie (Tom), John, Rob, Barb (Jayson), and their families plus many friends, who will all remember her fondly for the ways she touched their lives. Joyce was a nurse, teacher, and musician. A Milwaukee native, Bay View High school ('42), she and 3 classmates drove to Los Angeles following graduation from Marquette University ('46) to work at the VA Hospital. She returned to Milwaukee in 1952, with two daughters, and joined the medical department at the downtown Gimbels. In 1966, she returned to Marquette to get her teaching certification and spent the next 20 years teaching for MPS (Kagel, Curtin) spending many summers working at St. Francis Hospital. A cellist, she enjoyed 47 years with the Catholic Symphony, and 22 years of being part of the trio at Karl Ratzsch's. A member of the local musician's union, she also performed at area venues for a variety of musical acts including Red Skelton, Johnny Mathis, and Heart. Joyce enjoyed her retirement years traveling (from Alaska to the Holy Land), often attending classes through Elderhostels. She had a lifelong passion for baseball (Braves and Brewers), crossword puzzles, and loved to involve family members with jig saw puzzles and word games always teaching. Her last years were plagued with health issues and yet she maintained a positive attitude throughout. She received wonderful care and support from Dr. Stephen Lamberton and the medical personnel at St. Luke's South Shore; Southpointe Health Center; Sylvan Crossings at Creekside; and finally at Zilber Family Hospice. A private service was held September 6, 2009. Memorials in her honor greatly appreciated: Aurora Visiting Nurse Association at www.aurora.org/helpvna OR Bay View Community Center, 1320 E. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. JOSEPH E. SASS Funeral And Cremation Service 1019 W. Oklahoma 414-744-3636