Joan Marie Ferris

Joan Marie Ferris, 86, of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully on February 2, 2018 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, after a brief illness.
Joan was born in La Crosse on June 30, 1931 to Louis and Alice (Monsoor) Ferris. After receiving a B.A. at Viterbo College in La Crosse, she moved to Chicago, Illinois to get her Master's Degree in Social Work at Loyola University. Upon graduation from Loyola, she remained in Chicago and pursued a career in social work which lasted into retirement.

Joan is survived by her devoted brother, Louis Ferris, her sister, Edie Howard, and a sister-in-law, Jean Ferris. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews, all who fondly remember their Aunt Joan's love and compassion.  She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Russell, Donald, Roger, and Archie, and two sisters, Mary and Helen. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Helen, a brother-in-law, Gene Wisland, and her niece, Kathy Wisland.

Joan was a blessing to all the lives she touched. Her life was dedicated to helping others, both through her work and through her generous support of many causes. She was always a strong advocate for women and children. Joan made an effort to touch the hearts of each and every one of her nieces and nephews. Her social work skills enabled her to listen well and give helpful support when asked.

Joan lived in Chicago for almost 60 years and only moved back to La Crosse recently. She loved Chicago and the friends that she made there. Joan will always be remembered for her love, her compassion, and her kindness.

Schumacher-Kish will handle cremation with interment in the Catholic Cemetery of La Crosse. Burial and services will be private with family.