Joanne M. Drews
Thursday, April 11, 1929
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Thursday, April 11, 1929
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Thursday, April 11, 1929
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Joanne M. Drews
Joanne Mary (Zirbel) Drews passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Joanne was born April 11, 1929 to Marion and Charles Zirbel in Milwaukee, WI.
While attending Washington High School in Milwaukee, Joanne met “the love of her life,” John Drews. Married in 1949, their first home was in Madison, WI, and in 1952 they moved to Rochester. Joanne was a homemaker, and John a social studies teacher and head football coach at John Marshall High School.
Joanne was a devout Catholic, active in the Christian Family Movement and Teams of Our Lady. She taught religious education for 45 years, and served as an Eucharistic minister and lector. While her faith and religious activities kept her busy, she also volunteered at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home. Joanne was very active in her children’s education and athletic events, and an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan. Finally, Joanne wanted to be sure to say one more time – her husband was her best friend and “the love of her life.”
Joanne is survived by six daughters and three sons: Karen (Gil) Munoz, Nancy Lockwood, Donna (John) Boespflug, Kay (Richard) Nelson, Jack (Maureen) Drews, Debbie (Jeff) Linder, Michael (Twyila Lay) Drews, Peggy (Scott) Drews-Radke, and David (Karen Roberts) Drews. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her sister Lucky and brother Richard. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Janet, brothers Charlie and John, son-in-law Art Lockwood, great niece Janet Witte, and great granddaughter Charlotte Truwe.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Arbor Terrace.
A celebration of Joanne’s life is Saturday, May 4, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation is at 10:00 AM, and mass at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow.
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The family of Joanne M. Drews has received the following condolences.
Forever in my heart….
A wonderful childhood growing up next to John and Joanne. Great memories of getting to take of their yard and play with the dogs, Pat and Buffy. Condolences to the entire family.
Drew’s family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I have so many great memories of all the years we lived next door to each other. That was a lot of kids growing up together and it was great!! Joann and I shared the same birthday so we celebrated together. Blessings to your family as you go through this period of transition. Joann will be missed.
Loya Olsen
Dear Drews Family, My Mom(Donna Stock) and I send our sincere condolences and Love to all of you. We have such wonderful memories of our families together. Mom wants you to know she loved having Joanne as a lifelong dear friend. Never a dull moment with her and such a fun friend on the many of the trips and things they did together. Joanne was my Confirmation sponsor and I remember her showing me the clouds in the sky that evening. There was one in the shape of a Dove and she said it was the Holy Spirit watching over us. Mom isn't able to attend the funeral but wants you to know she goes to Mass on TV and will "attend" one in Honor of her beloved friend Joanne Drews.
Much Love,
Sincerely,
Diana Stock-Prescott and Donna Stock.
I can just picture your welcome in Heaven Joanne! Be happy there and at blessed peace.
Dear Drew’s family,
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mother. She was loved by many. I’m so happy to have grown up and spending time with your family.Lots of great memories. She did such an awesome job raising her family and always had room to extras. Now there is a new angel up dancing with John.
Hugs
Patti and Ed Stanton
WOW! Joanne gave great inspiration, guidance, and a feeling of loyalty and respect to all who "worked" with her. My experiences with Joanne were mostly through St. Pius X Parish Religious Ed, Eucharistic Ministry and Mass Lectoring activities - AND, her active participation in the Serra Club of Rochester (supporting priests, religious and religious vocations). For many years she hosted an annual Rochester Serra Club members and area priests and deacons summer picnic!
Along the way, we (and others, I know) had a few discussions on how to improve our acting out the teachings of Jesus in our parishes. I clearly recall the time Joanne was attending a Serra Club Summer Golf Outing and Dinner and, upon entering the Event Center, guest Bishop John Quinn's greeting: "Well, hello, Joanne!!"
CELEBRATE!
Drews Family,
Joanna is someone I will never forget. She made me laugh and I know she got a kick out of me too. The main thing I will always remember about Joanna is how much she loved the Mass, the Eucharist. No amount of earthly upheaval could keep her from the Mass. When I feel like bolting and running away from it all myself, I think of people like Joanna and how faithful they truly are. Joanna was a great witness for me. God bless the Drews family.
Fr. Russ
Joanne was one special woman. I loved her feisty-sassiness and outspokenness. I am going to miss her letters and cards on our birthdays, anniversary, and holidays. Her faith was amazing and I know brought her peace during tough days. Going to miss how her face would crinkle and sparkle when she laughed (David made her laugh a lot). It was a true gift to have known her. RIP lovely Joanne.
To the Drew’s family so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. What a good long life , now she’s back with Big John. Love to all.
Brings me so much joy to know you are back with grandpa “the love of your life”
I can picture it now, when you arrived and him saying”well Joanne you took long enough “
Fly high grandma
I love you with all my heart,say hello to BIG JOHN for me
forever my rock and in my thoughts daily
Jess