Joanne Joyce Herfel

Herfel, Joanne Joyce Madison - Joanne Joyce Herfel, age 53, of Madison, died peacefully Saturday, March, 3rd, 2012 at University of Wisconsin Hospital after an exhausting and inspiring thirteen year battle with Leukemia. Joanne was born on October 21, 1958 in Madison, the fourth of five children born to Clifford and Marlene Fosdick. She graduated from Lafollette High school in 1976, an accomplished athlete in both gymnastics and volleyball. On August 13th 1977, she married Daniel R. Herfel in Madison, and together they raised three children. Joanne worked for American Family Insurance for 35 years. Starting in the mailroom at age seventeen, she worked her way through the company, holding many positions and earning her Masters Certificates in Project Management and Mid- Management Development from University of Wisconsin-Madison and designation as a Certified Business Analyst through Washington University. She was currently employed as a Business Technology Senior Specialist in the Personal Lines Division. Joanne enjoyed bowling, participating in many ladies’ and couples leagues over the years and traveling to ladies state bowling tournaments. She was a gifted artist, and donated her talents by painting backdrops for church plays when the children were little. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and was an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s sports teams, volunteering her time and enthusiasm to running the concession stands for East Madison Little League and the Madison Senators, and traveling to tournaments across the state and to Florida for college baseball spring training. On summer days, she was happiest gardening in one of her beautiful rose beds, planning large picnics and celebrations, and cooking for family and friends. She was very creative and always had a project in progress, making gifts for the ones she loved for holidays and often for no special reason at all. Joanne loved spending time with her family; playing cards, hosting Sunday dinners and grilling out on the deck. She was also very dedicated to her work and thankful for the close friendships she formed over the years with her coworkers. Joanne had a calling for service to people and was proudest of the help and support she was able to provide to those who needed it most. She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Fosdick; grandmother, Idella Renninger, and nephew Matthew Mael. She is survived by her husband Dan Herfel; children Joe (Kaylee) Herfel, Jared (Amy) Herfel, and Jenna Herfel; granddaughters, Savannah and Rileigh Herfel; mother, Marlene Fosdick; siblings, Cynthia (Kevin) Mael, Laura (Tim) Hall, Edward (Janet) Fosdick and Paul (Dawn) Fosdick; mother-in-law, Carol (Richard) Holler; father-in-law, Albert (Joan) Herfel; brother-in-law, James (Susan) Herfel; sister- in-law, Edie Muir and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Joanne touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity and maintained her lovable sense of humor until her very last days. A Celebration of Joanne’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 . A Memorial Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, from 4p.m. until 8p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, from 10a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family would like to thank all the doctors and staff in the Hematology/ Oncology Unit and the Palliative Care Unit at UW Hospital. Donations in Joanne’s honor may be made to the United Way of Dane County or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608)221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tues., March 6, 2012, and from 10 a.m. until time of the service on Wednesday. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wed. March 7, 2012.