Joan Marlene (Miller) Doering, a wife, mother, grandmother and friend, made her peaceful journey home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 while in care at Villa Pines Living Center in Friendship, Wisconsin.
Born July 18, 1934 to Irene and Evan Miller in Sauk County, WI, where she grew to adulthood along with her brother John Miller on the family farm in Plum Valley. There she learned of her lifelong love for gardening and animals. Cats in particular were members of the family throughout her life. Joan was a talented yarn artist and created keepsakes for her family that will keep us warm for years to come.
An avid reader and member of the Wonewoc library, she also enjoyed participating in the exercise program and even learned a little about computers. One of her favorite things was going to garage sales and she especially loved it when her sister-in-law, Myrtle Doering would join her on those adventures. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Wonewoc where she was involved in ladies aid, altar guild and prayer circle.
She graduated from Wonewoc High School in 1952 and went on to attend and graduate from the Madison School of Beauty in 1953. As a beautician she worked throughout the area until she was in her early 70’s. She loved helping others to look their best and missed it very much when she was no longer able to continue.
Marrying her high school sweetheart, Willis Doering in 1954 they were together until his death in July of 2022. In 1955 they had their first child, Michael who preceded her in death in March of 2023. After Mike was born there was Tammera and then Dawn. Together they lived in South Town where Joan enjoyed the neighbors, keeping a beautiful home and giving attention to the homeless cats of the neighborhood. She continued to do what she was able until her body no longer allowed for the physical work in her life and she began to slip from us gradually. She is so loved and will be missed for her smile, laughter, kindness and sense of humor.
She is survived by daughters Tammera, Dawn and Jan (Mike’s fiancé), brother John Miller, and grandchildren Teagan (Londo) and Travis and Ryan (Doering) Hagenah.
We will celebrate the lives of both Joan and Willis Doering at the Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m.
A private burial will follow at the Pine Eden Cemetery at a later date.
Instead of flowers, the family would ask for any donations to be made in their name to the Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter P.O. Box 345, Mauston, WI 53948
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
