Joan Marie Gillitzer
July 30, 1944 - February 18, 2021
Obituary
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. 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
Events
Visitation
Fri Feb 26, 2021 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Madison) • 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Livestream
Fri Feb 26, 2021 @ 11:30 AM CDT
Lake Accotink Park • 5660 Hemming Ave, Springfield, VA 22151
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Feb 26, 2021 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Madison) • 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Graveside Service
Fri Feb 26, 2021 @ 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Photos
No photos of Joan have been shared yet.
Memories
SD
Steve Dwyer
Other •
I'm very sorry to the Gillitzer family for the loss of Joan. Prayers go out to you. -Steve Dwyer & Family
TJ
The Houston grandkids: Hannah, Craig & Jason
Other •
In loving memory of Grandma G.
DO
Dennis O'Connell
Other •
Jim and family. My deepest condolences on the passing of Joan. My thoughts and prayers. Dennis O'Connell - KofC Field Agent
PF
Paul Francis
Other •
Dear Jim, I am very sorry to learn of Joan's death. I learned of it today, and have read her obituary. You must hurt deeply. I can imagine how close you were to her, and you two together. I hope in some way your closeness can continue. I will hold you in my heart. Paul Francis
CS
Carl and Janet Storch
Other •
We are so sad to hear of Joan’s passing. A woman of so many talents and she could make the best apple pie ever. Her smile and friendship will be missed. Our sympathy to Jim and all her family. Carl and Janet and family
KC
Karen Clough
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will have a Novena of Masses read for Joan by the Mariannhill Fathers.