Joan Deans

Joan J. Deans, age 83, of Dane died on Sunday March 26, 2017 at Haven Hills Assisted Living in Lodi. Joan was surrounded by family when she passed away in peace to be with Jesus. She was born to Peter and Martha (Karls) Meffert on December 7, 1933. She married Albert Deans on February 19, 1955, at St. John's Catholic Church, Waunakee. They lived together in Dane for 59 years where they worked together and raised their family.

Joan was a wonderful role model to her family, friends, parish and community. She lived her life trying to do God's will. One of her quotes often told to her children, "All for the greater honor and glory of God." She taught her family faith, respect, patience and love for others. We would often see Joan working at the church and school, whether a fish fry was going on or the cemetery or church grounds needed mowing. She loved time with her family, treasured her grandchildren and loved to read books, listen and guide them in making life decisions while doting on them with chocolate chip cookies. She had a firm, but gentle way of providing guidance.

Survivors include her children, Denise (Lance) Graf, Dan (Kara), Dave (Lynn), Danita (Joe) Zelenak, Doug (Julie), and Deanna (Leon) Gilles; grandchildren, Damian, Lindsey, Noah, Dorothy, Brooke, Aaron, Carl, Gabriel(Alexandra), Brother George, Evan, Anthony, Michaela, Isaac, Bridget, Ann Marie, Celeste and Isabel Deans, Brad (Katie) Zelenak, Blake (fiancé, Katrina Monson), Chandler and Alana Gilles and 2 great-grandsons, Anthony and Nathan Zelenak. She is also survived by her brothers and sister, Joe (Pidge)Meffert, Jim (Linda) Meffert, Jack (Marilyn) Meffert, Pete (Sue) Meffert, and Cheryl (Russ) Wipperfurth; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Kutz and Carol Deans; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; sister and brothers-in- law, Mary (Patrick) Boyle, Bernice (Donald) Zeman; and brothers-in-law, Frank Kutz and Gene Deans.

Funeral services will be held on April 1, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Parish- St. Michaels Church, Dane. Father Scott Jablonski will officiate. Friends may call at St. Michael's church hall on Friday March 31, 2017, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 3:15 pm. A reception will follow mass on Saturday in the church hall. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Thank you to the Haven Hills staff who were so dedicated and kind as well as Agrace Hospice caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blessed Trinity School Endowment Fund and the Alzheimer's Association.

Mom guided us always and her parting words of wisdom were, "Take care of each other and stand up for each other. Thank you, thank you, love you, love you!!" Joan is at peace, as is her family; she is reunited with the Lord and her husband/ best friend.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI