Died June 16, 2018 at the age of 87.  Joan was born and raised in Milwaukee and proudly spent more than 30 years working at Master Lock Company, assembling the locks used by all of us in our daily lives.  She was a proud retiree and loved the Master Lock Christmas parties with her dear friend, Marcie.

Joan had an adventurous spirit.  Horseback riding lessons in her 50’s—why not?  Jet skiing at Karen’s cottage—sure.  Boating around Lake Nagawicka on Karen’s pontoon—don’t even think of leaving her behind.  Cruising in the Caribbean  with Karen and her beloved sister Shirley—Joan was in.  We drew the line at tubing behind the boat.  Joan was not known for her coordination.  She also loved Sunset Theater with Karen and the gang, and REALLY loved the coconut shrimp at Maxims Restaurant.  She just wanted to be part of the family and we made sure she was.

Joan and her sister Shirley were inseparable best friends.  Shirley loved to cook; Joan hated to cook but loved to clean.  Shirley drove the car; Joan was navigator.  With Shirley’s death in 2012, Joan came to Luther Manor and started the next chapter in her life.  The personnel at Luther Manor welcomed her as a member of their community and provided her love and care.

Joan is survived by her loving “family”, Karen Duke, who has always called her “Auntie Joan”, as well as Jo Ann and Kirby Duke, their children Kimi and Alex, and dear friends Kim and Dennis Poenisch and their daughter Megan. She is preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Van Hoogen, her dad, Arthur Koester, and mother Bertha Koester.

We will always remember Joan sitting on the deck at Karen’s lake cottage, bundled up in a blanket and hat despite the 80 degree heat, sipping her sweet tea and nibbling snacks served her while she watched the sailboats.  She is a treasured member of our family and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Luther Manor Faith and Education Center, 4545 N. 92nd Street (North Entrance), Wauwatosa from  3 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 4 PM.  Private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.  Our sincere thanks to all the aides and nurses at Luther Manor, who made Joan feel special.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Luther Manor Foundation in Joan’s memory.