Joyce M. Rowe, (nee Kirst), age 88, of West Bend, passed away Monday March 17, 2014
at St. Joseph’s Hospital, West Bend.
She was born on May 1, 1925 in Fond du Lac to the late Edward and Hilda (nee Herriges) Kirst. Joyce attended St. Mary’s elementary school and graduated from St. Mary’s Springs High School in the class of 1943. She then attended Marian University and Milwaukee State Teachers College earning a B.S. Degree in Education.
Joyce taught all grades in rural one-room schools in Fond du Lac and West Bend. She then taught lower elementary grades at Catholic schools in Fond du Lac and West Bend. After retiring as a full time teacher she did substitute teaching for the West Bend School District.
Joyce was united in marriage to Gerald Rowe on August 2, 1952 in Fond du Lac. Throughout her lifetime Joyce was an avid golfer, bridge player, and loved spending time with friends. She was a member of the West Bend Country Club and the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association.
Joyce is survived by three children, Patricia (James) Rowe Goetzinger of Wauwatosa, John Rowe of West Bend, and Lisa Rowe of Sheboygan; two grandchildren, Elena Goetzinger, and Jamie Goetzinger both of Wauwatosa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald in 2002; a granddaughter, Emily Goetzinger; two brothers and their wives, Lester (Betty) Kirst, and Norman (Ginny) Kirst.
A memorial Mass in remembrance of Joyce will be held on Saturday March 29th at 1:30 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Church (1025 S. 7th Ave.) West Bend. Father Enrique Hernandez will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 11:30 am until the time of Mass. Burial of her cremated remains will be in Holy Angels Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials to the Threshold, or St. Frances Cabrini Education Fund are appreciated by the family.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Cedar Community and St. Joseph’s Hospital for the loving care extended to Joyce. All are invited to wear Joyce’s favorite color “Blue” as they attend Joyce’s Memorial Mass.