Joyce Ann Firchow

Joyce Ann Firchow, 61, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, following a brief, but courageous fight against cancer. She was born in Racine on February 11, 1947, daughter of the late James "Bud" and Mary Ann (nee: Judicki) Petersen. On December 27, 1969, she was married to Thomas Firchow in St. Casimir Catholic Church.

Joyce's career in education included 14 years teaching the 5th grade within the Racine Unified School District and 10 years as an ESL teacher at The Prairie School. Her hobbies included needlepoint, counted cross stitch and latch hooking. Many of her craft projects were given as gifts. Joyce also enjoyed decorating her house inside and out, creating memorable meals, baking cookies, reading, and attending theater and musical events. She took great pride in organizing and hosting family gatherings. Joyce’s greatest love was spending time with her family, and she was a wonderful wife, mother and friend.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Thomas; their children, Kevin (Sarah) Firchow of Madison and Steven Firchow of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; brothers, Ron (Sherry) Petersen of Escondido, California and Daniel Petersen of Waukesha; brother-in-law, James (Myla) Firchow of Kenosha; nieces and nephews, Chad Petersen, Shelly Petersen, Anna (Kip) Stearns, Emily Petersen, and Joel (Anja) Firchow; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2008, at St. Mary's by the Lake Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Stradinger officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:30 a.m. Memorials to St. Mary's by the Lake Catholic Church have been suggested.

DRAEGER LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 552-9000