Joan Viereg

Joan Piper Viereg, adored mother and grandmother, stepped peacefully into eternity July 12, 2018. She was 89.

Joan Piper was born in Princeton, Illinois, on March 29, 1929, to parents Glenn Piper and Mae Johnson, and two older sisters, Virginia and Marjorie. The girls attended Colton School, a one-room school building. They walked a mile from their farm up a gravel road attend class.

Joan excelled in her studies, and in Princeton High School she was a member of the track team. Before attending Purdue University, she worked first to earn the tuition, a fact of which she was always proud. Joan graduated University with a degree in Home Economics. She also was a Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.

Joan has three children, Wade Dyke, Sarah Gardner, and Kate Shefchik. Joan also has seven beloved grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters.

She and Bill Dyke were high school sweethearts and married in Baltimore, Maryland in 1953. They lived in Monterrey, California and in Frankfurt, Germany before settling in Madison in 1955 to start their family. Joan re-married in 1979 to Don Viereg of Madison until he passed away. Joan and Don enjoyed world travel and playing golf at Blackhawk Country Club.

She worked and helped manage several local enterprises including the Honey Bee Institute during the 1950s; the Learning Shop in the 1960s; and the Lantern Inn in the 1970s. She also worked as a preschool teacher. Joan was Madison's First Lady from 1969-1973 when Bill Dyke was Madison's mayor.

She was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Blackhawk Country Club.

Joan always was cheerful and encouraging. "Find a way or make one," was the memorable advice she gave regularly. Always thoughtful, she had a series of questions posted on her refrigerator that she would contemplate before speaking: "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?" She exemplified this mantra.

She leaves her family with memories of an incomparable woman who took less and gave more; who encouraged education and achievement; and who set good examples. She believed in the power of a positive word; the sweet notes of a lullaby to soothe a child; and an impeccably set dining table--her family will miss her so!

To Ree and J.J. of Salon West; Fritz of Fritz's Hair By Design; and Tammy of Tam's Tips, thank you for many years of helping Joan stay lovely on the outside, too. She never, ever wanted to miss an appointment. She went beautifully into that good night. Also, thank you to Madison Taxi for transporting Joan safely and efficiently around the city.

Thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of UW-hospital for your compassion and kindness.

Lastly to our mother, you couldn't remain with us forever though you tried heroically as you told us how much you loved us. Your legacy of patience, kindness, and encouragement will be with your family forever. Thank you for instilling in us a love of reading, education, Shakespeare, laughter, travel, decorating, and gracious living. You created a beautiful home where we shared wonderful memories.

Joan quoted Shakespeare to her granddaughters, and to paraphrase a favorite we write:

"Joan, sweet Joan, make her into little stars, and she will make the face of heaven shine so bright all the world will be love with night, and pay no mind to the garish sun."

Forever, Joan, you are queen of our hearts.

Love always,

Wade, Sarah, and Kate

A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wis, from 3-4 PM with a funeral service to follow.

An additional funeral service will be held Friday, July 27, 2018, at ST. MARY'S OF THE LAKE, 10 West Austin Street, Skaneateles, New York, at 10am.

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to:
The M.I.N.D. Institute -- Autism Research
University of California-Davis
2825 50th Street
Sacramento, Calif. 95817
in honor of Joan's grandson, Charles Gardner III