Joan Teresa Fiedler, age 86, of Lancaster and formerly of Stitzer, died on Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016 at the Orchard Manor in rural Lancaster. She was born on May 19, 1930 in Boscobel the daughter of Carl & Teresa (Schuhart) Kretschman. Joan was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bernard Fiedler on Sept. 19, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore and said, “It was the happiest day of her life”.
Joan and Bernie rented a farm outside of Stitzer with Bernie’s parents for many years. Eventually they were able to purchase the farm from John Pink in 1966. They farmed until moving to Lancaster in 1990. Joan and Bernie’s home was a place where everyone was welcome and on Sunday’s became a gathering place for family and friends. Joan enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, and playing cards. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore and later St. Clement’s in Lancaster. Joan was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who prayed for her family everyday. Her comforting and loving personality will be cherished forever. The family would like to thank the loving staff at Orchard Manor and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.
Joan is survived by her beloved husband Bernard of Lancaster, six children; Joe Merit of Lancaster, Laura (Keith) Kleist of Highland, Mike (Tina) Fiedler of Stitzer, Diane (Dave) Macke of Lancaster, Chris (Mike) Johansen of Lancaster, and Brenda (Dave) Knipfer of Brooklyn, 14 grandchildren; Jody (Paul) Kirschbaum, Jeremy Koss, Brian (Becki) Kleist, Michelle Kleist, Christopher (Jessie) Kleist, Heidi (Eric) Teige, Robin Fiedler, Chad (Amanda Jahnke) Fiedler, Jenni (Stephen) Grutzik, Eric Macke, Jacob Johansen, Matt (Alicia) Knipfer, Cara Knipfer, Lucas Knipfer, 13 great grandchildren, and two brothers; Carl (Julie) Kretschman and Jim (Rosie) Kretschman both of Fennimore, along with several nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, infant grandson Shawn Fiedler, granddaughter Kelly Johansen, brother Bernard (Rita) Kretschman, and three sisters; Eileen (Donald) Holzer, Rosemary (Joe) Waltz and Rita (Wencle) Kuchar.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday Dec. 19, 2016 at Orchard Manor Chapel in rural Lancaster with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Fennimore. Father John Sasse will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the chapel on Monday morning. The Larson Family Funeral Home of Fennimore is assisting the family.