OBITUARY FROM PHILLIP FUNERAL HOME (WEST BEND, WI) WEBSITE:

Joanne M. Katchever, 86 (nee Strom) passed away peacefully on July 4, 2015 at Kathy’s Hospice in West Bend. Joanne was born on May 27, 1929 in Gary, Indiana to Miles and Marie Strom.   

Joanne graduated from Hobart High School in 1948 and went on to attend the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts where she studied fashion illustration and design. Joanne married and relocated to Cedarburg, Wisconsin where they built their own home. They were blessed with three children, Terry, Cheri and Pamela. When her daughters were young, Joanne would lovingly sew dresses for them while they were at school.  Later, when her children were in college, Joanne worked as a teacher’s aide with the West Bend School District. Joanne later met the Love of her life, Ron Katchever, and remarried on November 17, 1973. They have been blessed with 42 wonderful years together. Joanne and Ron enjoyed traveling together to many destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rico and British Virgin Islands.   

Joanne returned to her love of painting once her children were grown. She designed My Own Doll portrait paper dolls from a love she had with paper dolls as a child. Her beautiful personalized paper doll books showed the intricate detail and color of a child’s favorite clothes. Joanne painted many of these personalized portrait doll books over the years. The orders were mailed to parents or grandparents all over the United States. She was featured in Doll Reader magazine and many other noteworthy publications. She also was a talented artist with watercolor, acrylic and Norwegian rosemaling. 
   
Joanne’s greatest joy was her family. More than anything, she cherished family gatherings and time with her children. Her special grandson, Christopher, was her pride and joy. They have many wonderful memories of going out to dinner, attending school band concerts, and special times together. She was the most loving Mom and Grandma any one could ever ask for. Joanne loved nature and the beauty of the north woods. She loved to have family at their beloved lakeside home near Eagle River. There are countless wonderful memories of pontoon boat rides, walks, and enjoying the deer strolling through the woods.   

In later years, Joanne and Ron loved spending winters at their home in Tucson (Oro Valley), Arizona.   They made many wonderful friends that she held dear to her heart. Joanne always had a youthful spirit and compassion for others. She always put others needs before her own. Joanne will be immensely missed by her family and friends. You will remain in our hearts forever, Mom. 

Joanne is survived by her husband, Ron, and her two daughters, Cheri Fitch and Pamela (Michael) Mueller, and grandson, Christopher Mueller. Brother-in-law Donald Anderson along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Stepchildren: Mark (Patti) Katchever, Michael Katchever and Danielle, Tony (Amy) Katchever, Tracy Lewandowski, Kent Katchever and Suzanne. Stepgrandchildren: Tyler, Mikey Katchever, Brandon Lewandowski, and Josh Mrazek. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Terry Fitch, and sister, Lynaya Anderson. 

Joanne fought a courageous battle with cancer. The family extends a special thank you to Kathy Hospice of West Bend for their care and compassion.

A Memorial Service for Joanne will be held on Thursday, July 9th at 1:00 PM at the Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church (323 S. Fifth Avenue, West Bend) with Pastor Falk officiating. Visitation will be held at Church from 11-1 PM. 

This information and picture were obtained from: http://www.phillipfuneralhome.com/obits/obituary.php?id=558745.