Joan Helen (VandeSand) Groleau, 73, East Troy, died Nov. 2, 2016, at Angels Grace Hospice, Oconomowoc, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 11, 1943, in Burlington, to the late Victor and Helen (Brehm) Markofski. Her early life was spent in Burlington where she attended grade school and graduated from St. Mary’s High School.
On Oct. 19, 1963, she married the late Eugene E. VandeSand in Burlington. He died Oct. 16, 1997. On Sept. 15, 2000, she married Harry Groleau in Burlington. Following their marriage they resided in Burlington until relocating to East Troy 12 years ago.
She first worked as a legal secretary, took time off to raise her family, then went back to work and was employed at Family Vision for 23 years, retiring in 2005. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and enjoyed playing cards with her monthly card club for many years. She loved to knit and crochet and made and donated over 80 baby blankets to various pregnancy centers.
She was an avid reader but more than anything she loved to spend time with her family. They meant the world to her. Joan and Harry spent the past 10 winters in Arizona where they enjoyed their time in the warm weather very much.
Survivors include her husband; children, Amy (David) Rye, Frederic, Mich., Tim (Hiedi) VandeSand, Mt. Morris, Ill., Jane (Ed) Wolfe, Mukwonago, Ellen (Ross) Johnson, Burlington; stepchildren, Rev. James (Kerri) Groleau, Hinkley, Minn., Jamie (John) Dahmer, Kiel, Kimberly Michaud, Kiel; grandchildren, Abbie (Evan) Blagec, Sarah (fiancé Brent Davis) Boulden, Hannah and Josh Boulden, Zander, Zayden, Zyah VandeSand, Jenna and Rachel Wolfe, Eric, Holly and Missy Johnson; step-grandchildren, Madilyn, Addison and Seth Dahmer and Karleigh Michaud; great-grandchild, Asher Davis; in-laws, James (Sharon) VandeSand, Donald VandeSand, Eileen (John) Brown, Marjorie Kitkowski, John (Joann) VandeSand, Annette VandeSand and William G. (Mary) Groleau; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.
Joan was further preceded in death by her mother and fathers-in-law; grandson, Jaytn VandeSand; siblings, Betty Mae (Harold) Kaiser, Jack (Marilyn) Markofski, Carol (Hugh) Jones and Bill Markofski; sister-in-law, Kay VandeSand; brother-in-law, Mark Groleau; one niece and two nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 8, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, served the family.
The family has suggested memorials be made to either Angels Grace Hospice, Oconomowoc, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Burlington.
Joan’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Pro Health Care Hospice and to Angels Grace Facility for all their care and compassion.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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