RACINE – Mrs. Joan A. Furuglyas (affectionately known by many as Grandma Joan), 81, passed away at WFH-All Saints on February 4, 2014.
She was born in Bismarck, ND on November 24, 1932, the daughter of Nicholas and Angelina (nee: Kinsman) Spath. On June 19, 1959 she married George Paul Furuglyas. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1985.
Joan was a gentle and kind woman who loved connecting and socializing with people. She was often found in the company of her friends and employees at DeRango’s on Washington Ave. or Lee’s Hardware on Taylor. She loved collecting rocks that were gifted from loved ones on various trips. She also enjoyed watching old westerns and Perry Mason episodes. However, Joan was happiest when in the presence of her family and her canine companions.
She is survived by her children, Julie Kalk, Nick (Chris) Furuglyas, Tom (Susan) Furuglyas of all of Racine, Lois (Kevin) Waydick of Rhinelander; her grandchildren, Nick (fiancée, Jenn ) Furuglyas, Steven Furuglyas, John (Lindsey) Waydick, Julia (John) Downey, Peter (Marisa) Furuglyas, Kiersten Kalk, William Peterson, Valerie Peterson; her great grandchildren, Sierra, Lukas, Vance, as well as a great granddaughter and great grandson on the way; her nieces, Shanda (Shane) Sheets, Joan “Cookie” Barlow; two special friends that Joan considered family, Emily Pupack and Wendy Bielefeldt; and finally, her little dog, Maggie.
A private service will be held. She will be interred next to her husband at Graceland Cemetery.
Karen (Klokow) Goodwin says
Dear Furuglyas family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Reflecting back today I had known Joan ever since grade school age. I passed by the house every day on my way to and from Knapp School. Spending time at the Wilkinson’s with Linda meant often seeing Joanie and George. Years later Joanie and my mother Rosemary Klokow became the best of friends while taking the bus early in the morning on their way to work. I still remember my mom telling me Joanie would say, “Did you see the moon last night? It was beautiful!” She always remarked how much she loved seeing the moon! If my mom went for a walk and didn’t come home for some time you could bet she was down the street visiting with Joanie. I remember when I brought the kids over to Grandmas to trick or treat we always had to take them down to see Joanie. She was a special lady with a kind soul and a loving heart. I would like to think that she is reunited with her one true love and all of the many, many friends that have gone before her. Once again, my sympathies go out to you.
The Russell Wilkinson Family says
Words cannot express the sadness we feel about losing Joan here on Earth. She brought so many gifts, to so many, so willingly. We will never forget all her love and kindness. Our deepest sympathies to her family and their families. As you grieve, know that we are sharing your grief, thinking of you and honoring Joan’s memory. Although she will be missed, she lives on in our hearts until we meet again.
***When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know. ~ Anonymous***