Joan Dorothy (Riedi) Gilson

Joan D. Gilson, 87, De Pere, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. She was born in Oshkosh on April 14, 1930 to the late Matthew and Anna (Kinderman) Riedi. She is a graduate of St. Joseph Academy, Green Bay. On January 27, 1951 she married the love of her life, Ralph Gilson, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, De Pere. They spent 57 wonderful years together before he passed away on March 25, 2008. Joan was a very loving mother and grandmother to her family. She enjoyed teaching everyone the finer points of life. Christmas was a holiday she looked forward to each year, to celebrate with all her beautiful grandchildren. She enjoyed many crafts like needlepoint, painting, ceramics, sewing knitting and cabinet making. Joan maintained her sense of humor and wit, making us laugh when we needed it most. She enjoyed playing many musical instruments, her harp, accordion and piano. She tried to instill the love of music to her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her children, Linda (Bill) Ferris, De Pere, and their family, Leah (fiancé Aaron Gilson) Paul; Mike (deceased) Donna Gilson, Florida, and their family, Matthew (Lacie), Sara; Patti (Mike) Mason, De Pere, and their family, Adam, David, Travis (Courtney); Jim Gilson, Hobart, and his family, Kristine, Kathryn (Tom); Mary (Mike) Watson, Green Bay, and her family, Alyssa (Jake), Hayden, Kelsey (Alex), Ian; brother Jim Riedi; sister, Mary (Dick) Douville; sisters-in-law, Darlene Mann, Jean Gilson, Roberta Gilson; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; son, Mike; several in-laws. Family and friends may visit at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, 1307 Lourdes Ave., De Pere, on Monday, October 16, 2017 from 9:00am to 10:45am. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at the church at 11:00am with Rev. Benny Jacob, O.Praem. officiating. Entombment in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has been established. A special thank you to all the health care professionals for their care and concern given to Joan over the past several months.

Reception:
Our Lady of Lourdes
1305 Lourdes Ave.
De Pere, WI 54115