Obituary: Jean M. (Joyce) Ferger - Class of 1947

MADISON/ST. GERMAIN - Jean M. Ferger, age 70, died at Howard Young Medical Center in Minocqua, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, August 9, 2000, from complications associated with diabetes. Jean was born on September 7, 1929, in Madison, Wisconsin, to John and Lucile (Crumbecker) Joyce. She attended Holy Redeemer Grade School, Central High School and Edgewood College, where she earned a degree in elementary education. On June 28, 1952, she was united in marriage to William T. Ferger at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Jean began her teaching career in Stoughton. After taking time off to raise her five children, she began teaching kindergarten in 1967 at Edgewood Campus School, where she continued her labor of love until her retirement in 1992. She received a Recognition of Outstanding Service in the field of education from Congressman Scott Klug during National Education Week in 1992. During her retirement years, Jean enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, volunteer work and her home in northern Wisconsin. Jean volunteered at the Plum Lake Library and was honored as the volunteer of the year in 1999. Jean was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sayner, Wisconsin. Jean is survived by her husband, William; her son, Tim (Wendy) Ferger of Wauwatosa; her daughter, Cindy (Bill) Bedford of Fairview, Utah; her daughter, Amy (Gary) French of Madison; her son, Jay Ferger of Kirkland, Washington; her daughter, Liz Ferger of Sheboygan; 10 grandchildren, Tim, Samantha, Donovan and Jonathan Ferger of Wauwatosa, Hannah and Silvia Bedford of Fairview, Utah, and Ryan, Jeff, Kelley and Kari French of Madison; her aunt, Rachel Rice of Sextonville, Wisconsin; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding Jean in death were her parents, John and Lucile Joyce. Funeral services will be held at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2000. Father Randy Timmerman will officiate. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2000. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank all of the staff of Howard Young Medical Center for their help and support. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: The class year for Jean Marie Joyce is based on information in the 1947 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is among those of the graduating seniors.