Joanne C. Rowe

Visitation Wednesday, April 20, 2022 

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, 4800 South 84th Street Greenfield, WI  53228

4-6:30 pm.  Sharing of memories at 6:30 pm. 

Visitation continues Thursday, April 21 at

ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 9306 W. Beloit Road Milwaukee, WI 53227

10-10:45 am.  Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am

Joanne C. Rowe (Koopmann)

Today our beloved mom received her angel wings, today the cardinals fly alongside her, today she is free of pain, and today she is welcomed into heaven by her husband Morry, and the many others who have passed before her.  Joanne C. Rowe, age 89, of Greenfield, WI passed away peacefully on April 6, 2022, at Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, WI.  She was born on December 22, 1932, on the family farm in Dyersville, Iowa to Linus and Valeria (Milbert) Koopmann.  She grew up on the farm with her only sibling, Elizabeth (Liz).  She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and went on to graduate from Xavier High School with the class of 1950.  Joanne then attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, MN earning her LPN in 1953.

She met Maurice (Morry) P. Rowe on a blind date, and they married on June 25, 1955.  Morry preceded her in death on December 12, 2003.  Together, they raised seven children:  Colleen (Tim) Skinner, John (Alejandra) Rowe, Tim (Jan) Rowe, Tom Rowe, Steve Rowe, Nadine (Guy) Hubert, and Patrick (Lisa) Rowe.

Family was at the center of mom’s life.  She was always there for all her children.  Her early days were filled with many loads of laundry, baby bottles and endless hours of cleaning, cooking, mending and grocery shopping. She did so much for all of us, especially as young children.  Dad travelled frequently for his work and was often away for days at a time.  This meant mom was tasked with managing our busy home and big family on her own.  She never complained; rather, she simply did whatever needed to be done quietly and with a smile.  She filled our lives with happiness with her kind and gentle ways.  She read books to us, combed our hair, brushed our teeth and wiped away our tears.  Mom always listened patiently if we confided in her; rarely judging, only offering her steadfast support.  When we grew older and more independent, she began working a variety of part-time jobs to assist with household finances.  Among other things, she worked for American Greetings stocking their cards at local stores, was employed as an office assistant in an optometry office and worked at St. Matthias Grade School in the school’s hot lunch program.

Mom was a lady in the truest sense of the word. Her delightful smile and kind heart concealed her great inner strength and patience. She never forgot a birthday, sending cards to many family members and friends throughout her life.  She graciously tolerated the teasing and antics of her big, noisy family with humor, composure and grit. She had a wonderful sense of fun and enjoyed sharing countless activities and adventures with her children and grandchildren. Above all, her thoughtfulness and kindness were her greatest traits, as she raised us all with an unconditional love that we will forever cherish.

Mom was very committed to Catholicism.  It was her Catholic faith that shaped her and contributed to her character. She lived a value-guided life with acts of kindness, love and compassion as she lived her understanding of divine truth.  Scripture tells us that “the souls of the just are in the hands of God” (Wisdom 3:1-9).  What a beautiful image to reflect on.

So, in faith, we hold that mom’s life has changed and not ended. We wonder about the marvels she is now experiencing, wonders beyond our imagination. We imagine she is soaking them in at this very moment, free of the limitations of our physical bodies and illness in this life.

Joanne is survived by her 7 children and 14 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Morry, parents Linus and Valeria Koopmann, sister Liz Rediger, and parents-in-law, James and Edith (Shields) Rowe.

Joanne was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt and grandma.  She will be missed dearly by all her family, and her memories will never fade. Special thanks to our brother Tom for your love, care and devotion to mom, especially in recent years.  Family is also grateful to the staff of Clement Manor, which was home to mom for the last 5 years.  We thank you all for your kindness and compassionate care of our wonderful mother.

The angels are now rejoicing in heaven as an angel on earth has returned home. In lieu of flowers, please do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in need, as Joanne did many times throughout her life.  Memorials to St. Matthias are appreciated.

Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. 84^th St. Greenfield on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 4-6:30 p.m. with sharing of memories beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation continues Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 9306 W. Beloit Road, Milwaukee.  A Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11:00 a.m.  Father Ken Omernick will officiate.

heritagefuneral.com