"Sherry has been such a good friend to our daughter, Sue, so Sherry spent many times at our house and we got to know your family better through her. We were sorry to hear about Joan's passing-life has ended to soon. She was such a gracious lady and had the most beautiful hair. She was a wonderful mother to all her children and a good wife and we know will be dearly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you"
In loving memory of
Joan Vitzthum
July 1, 2010
Inurnment: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery ~ Wesley, Iowa
Joan Marie Vitzthum was born July 1, 1937, in St. Benedict, Iowa, the daughter of George and Fidelia "Curly" (Stuflick) Ricke. She grew up on a farm south of Wesley, received her education and graduated from Wesley High School in 1955. On May 27, 1959, Joan was united in marriage to Mike Vitzthum at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. The couple lived south of Wesley until moving into town in 1962. They enjoyed farming, traveling, camping, fishing and golfing together.
Joan cherished time spent being with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed having coffee with all of her special friends. She loved making crafts, helping on the farm, tending to her many flowers and playing penny slots. Joan was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley.
Joan died peacefully at her home, Thursday, July 1, 2010, on her 73rd birthday.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Mike of Wesley: seven children, Wayne and Lynette Vitzthum of Oskaloosa; Duane Vitzthum of Cedar Rapids; Rod and Laurie Vitzthum of Algona; Judy and Verne Reding of Wesley; Sherry and Tod Driscoll of Ankeny, Roxy and Pete Bormann of Bode; Cory and Crystal Vitzthum of Ankeny; fourteen grandchildren; Jessica and Tyler Vitzthum, Zach Vitzthum, Taryn, Noelle and Cassidy Vitzthum, Kristi, Nick and Abbey Reding, Brock and Sydney Driscoll, Samantha and Luke Bormann and Spencer Vitzthum. Also surviving are four brothers, Richard, Dean, Bob and Ronnie Ricke; two sisters, Pat Frideres and Janice Schumacher, and many wonderful sister and brother in laws, nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents.
Tributes
"Judy & Vern, So sorry to hear about your mom, you will be in our thoughts and prayers!"
"Our hearts and prayers go out to Joan's family. They were such a loving joyful part of her life. The love and care they gave her these last months are testimony of the devotion they had for her. Nelson and Joan"
"We are so sorry to hear of Joan's death. We were out of town this weekend, and just heard it this morning. Sorry we missed the wake and funeral. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"My deepest thoughts and prayers to out to each and everyone of you during this difficult time. I only knew Joan a few short months, but WOW what a special lady she was, she was always pleasant and had something good to say. She would tell me how much she cherished her family and spending time with all of you. God has taken all of Joans pain away and she will now look down on each and everyone of you. May the love you have towards each other lift some of the sorrow from your hearts and remember some day you will be reunited with Joan again. God bless each of you. Terry & Vicki Briggs --- Burt"
"Mike and family, Just wanted to let you know that I am sending thoughts and prayers your way. May your many memories of Joan help you through this difficult time. She was so fortunate to have such a loving and caring family. May God richly bless you."
"We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife and mother,and wonderful grandmother to all as we all know! We will miss Joan and we are thinking of you and your family! Prayers are going out for you all! Joel&Carla"
"Mike and all the family.........Such a great sadness. We have such wonderful memories of Mike and Joan...I still remember coming out after you two were married and thought then (and still do)that you were the most beautiful couple I had ever seen!!! Many good times over the past years. You two were so good to come to see Dad when he was not doing well. Dad loved you guys and always enjoyed spending time with you all .... either here or in Wesley. He talked about your trip here to see him and I know he was pleased that you made it back for his funeral. I am sad we will not be coming to the services for Joan, however, our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. Our love to you, Mike, and to your family. Carole & Jack"
"Please accept my prayers and condolences to Joan's family. "
" My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Remember going to school whith her , such a lively person, and had a great family. God Bless Mike, all the children and grandkids, Gene Hall "
"We are so deeply sorry about Joan passing away. She was so blessed in this life to have such a wonderful and caring family. You were all an inspiration and should be so very proud of all of you efforts, as they were great. To our dear friends Tod & Sherry, Cory & Crystal our hearts hurt because yours hurt and we wish we could take that away. Just know we are here for you in whatever way you need us to be. May God bless you all. Love, Bob, Laura, Trent and Maclain"
"You have our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Our thoughts and prayers have been with each and everyone of you during these past few months and now more than ever. The Vitzthum family is a beautiful family and to have SEVEN amazing children is truly a deliverance of what an amazing person Joan was. Our hearts our heavy for each of you now and forever as we know that life will not be the same. May the love you have in each other and your faith continue to guide you during your loss. With Our Deepest Sympathy, Chad, Carie (Crystal's twin sister) & Gavin Masters"
"Sorry to hear of Joan's passing. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We can not imagine what you've been through the past few months.....bless your hearts. ~Take Care, Todd - Karcy - Shelby"