Joan Theresa Zeier

MADISON - Joan Theresa Zeier, age 84, trusting in her faith that her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was waiting to welcome her with open arms into an eternal life choose Friday, April 3, 2015, Good Friday, to walk with Jesus. Born on the family farm near Wisconsin Dells on Feb. 19, 1931, to Richard and Sophia (Krejci) Freilinger, Joan came to Madison after graduating from Portage High. Joan caught the eye of Gerald “Jerry” Zeier and they wed in 1951 and moved to Washington while he was in the Army. They returned to the eastside of Madison to raise their family. As charter members of St Dennis Catholic Parish, Joan was always active contributing countless hours to church and school activities. At a young age Joan taught herself how to play the piano, so when an organist was needed at St. Dennis, Joan learned to play and was an organist there for over 50 years. While raising her nine children and working outside the home, Joan found time to pursue her own artistic interests. She enjoyed painting classes for several years but honed her skills on her real passion – writing. Joan was a published author of two youth fiction novels, several award winning poems, short stories and children stories. She was a long time member of a critique group with whom she forged great friendships and regularly attended writer’s conferences, seminars and retreats. Joan was also a writing instructor at MATC inspiring many students. Joan’s story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the many beautiful quilts she made including those for her great grandchildren. Her faith and her family were her life. She was a quiet strong woman who mostly kept her opinions to herself but was always there to listen and to pray for us. She was extremely creative and found ingenious ways to keep her active family entertained. Her sparkling blue eyes, ever present smile and gentle words will be remembered by all who knew her. Joan is survived by husband Jerry; children; Ellyn (Donnie) Campbell, Edward (Sherry), Richard (Bonita), Timothy (Rita), Neil, Beth (Gene Williams), Janet (Denny) Braatz, Robert, and Nancy (Doug) Schwenn; eighteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Edna Thorp; and many loving nieces and nephews and their families. The family thanks Agrace Hospice for the awesome care and respect they provided Joan and us. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to be distributed to Joan’s favorite causes. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420