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BORN
1944
DIED
2021
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Joan Gillitzer Obituary
Gillitzer, Joan Marie
MADISON - Joan Marie Gillitzer, age 76, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. She was born on July 30, 1944, in Appleton, the daughter of Joseph and Alice (Backus) Stier.
Joan graduated from St. Mary's High School, Menasha, in 1962 and St. Mary's Nursing School, Milwaukee, in 1965. She married James Gillitzer on Aug. 28, 1965, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Menasha. Joan worked as a Registered Nurse for 31 years, retiring from UW Health in 2001.
Some of Joan's favorite activities were baking, reading, knitting, crocheting, gardening, traveling, playing bingo, bike riding, exercising and going to sporting events. Her favorite teams were the Brewers and Badgers. Joan especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids.
Joan is survived by her husband, Jim; three daughters, Lynn (Jay) Hanson, Cheryl (Brett) Hervat and Suzanne (Kevin) Hagen; son, Joseph (Kathy) Gillitzer; two sisters, Catherine Mary (Jerry) Nytes and Barbara Krupka; brother, Peter (Sue) Stier; sister-in-law, Tilly Stier; and nine grandchildren, Brooke Gillitzer, Krystal Hagen, Andrea Hagen, Tony Gillitzer, Sam Hanson, Max Hanson, Hannah Hervat, Craig Hervat and Jason Hervat. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alice Stier; sister, Carol Maher; and two brothers, Thomas Stier and Joseph Stier.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Friends and family who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit Joan's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church, Madison. The family wishes to thank the staff of Agrace HospiceCare, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Sonetti, Dr. Baschnagel, Dr. Lang and Dr. Abel for all of their wonderful care and support given to Joan and her family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories and Condolences
for Joan Gillitzer
Sponsored by Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison/Monona.
Margaret Kusinski
February 26, 2021
My sympathy and prayers to you and your family Jim
Louise Moondancer
February 26, 2021
Joan was always such a gracious woman. We were blessed to join our families when Lynn and Jay were married. Wishing your family so much love and wonderful memories.
Gary and Mary Dobbs
February 25, 2021
We will never have a sweeter, nicer and more caring friend than Joan. We are richer for having known her and her wonderful family. Rest in peace Joan, with God and his angels.
Barb Miller
February 25, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Joan.
I worked with her in a clinic many years
Ago. She was a beautiful person inside and out and a very caring , professional nurse. She was one of those people in life you always remember.
Prayers and thoughts .
Fondly,
Barb Miller
Greg and Jan Robbins
February 22, 2021
Please accept our sympathy at this terrible loss. Joan was a lovely person and her warmth will never be forgotten by those who knew her.
We have often talked about our camping trips in the long ago to Door County when you shared your campsites with us. The fun, the laughter and the sharing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be in the days ahead.
Marilyn & Nick Hornung
February 21, 2021
We offer our sincere sympathy to Joan´s family for the loss of your beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She was a gentle, sweet friend, a wonderful nurse. It was a blessing to know her, my heart is breaking.
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