Of Mequon – (NEE Eckman)

Joan Ravenscraft-Vickerman passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, with all of her children lovingly and respectfully present.

Joan is now eternally joined with her late husbands, Dale Ravenscraft and Harold (Hal) Vickerman in the Lord’s loving embrace.  Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Emma (Nee Gallagher) Eckman and all of her brothers and sisters; Robert, James, Jack, Rosemary, Jerry, Morry, Mike, Kada and Rick.  She is survived by her four (4) children; Sherry of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Barbara of West Dundee, Wisconsin, Kathy of Lake Zurich, Illinois and son, Mark (Debbie) of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 

Joan was a proud and admiring Grandmother of thirteen (13); Jim (deceased), Chris (deceased), Wendy, Kimberly, Rob, Brenda, Stacy, Kevin, Kristin, Marisa, Megan (deceased), Bridget and Rory.  Additionally, Joan is survived by eighteen (18) Great Grandchildren and four (4) Great, Great Grandchildren.

Joan was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on May 3, 1921; “It was a wonderful period in the world.  World War I was over, the economy was poor, but we were so happy”.  And so this beautiful Faith-Filled life began and prospered.  Joan’s life was a most wonderful journey, truly from cradle to eternal life.  A life filled with optimism, hope, adventure, patriotism and most importantly love.  Whether it was as half of the famous “Eckman Sisters” dancing team with her sister Rosemary, under the instruction of the Josephine Fitzgerald Dance Studio in Janesville, or as a young bride watching her new husband go off to war in the South Pacific.  Her life also brought such warm and successful achievements such as a three term elected Councilwoman and Mayorial Candidate or Businesswoman Entrepreneur, Parish Council Member, Age of Wisdom Founder, Red Hat Club Member (Baroness Never Home) , President of FOCUS a women in business group and her favorite, a Catechist to so many children of St. James (now Lumen Christi Catholic School and Church).  “Being a part of your Parish and Community, you can share your joys and sorrows, and always know there is a wonderful supporting group there for you”.  Indeed, Joan was a member of St.James / Lumen Christi Catholic Church and Mequon resident since 1952.

Above all of Joan’s greatest earthly accomplishments and world travels, was simply being what she always dreamed, hoped and prayed to be, Mom.  “My children are the most wonderful in the world, so yes, I am among the most fortunate people in the world”. 

Please join the family in gathering Friday, December 13, 2024, for a visitation 10:00am – 11:45am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon.  All will be held at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, Wisconsin 53092.   

“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.  Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am”.  Philippians 4:13.

Donations would be very much appreciated to: Lumen Christi Catholic Church; Helping Hands Fund.