Joan Viereg

MADISON, WIS. — Joan Piper Viereg, adored mother and grandmother, stepped peacefully into eternity Thursday, July 12, 2018. She was 89.

Joan Piper was born in Princeton, on March 29, 1929, to Glenn Piper and Mae Johnson. She had two older sisters, Virginia and Marjorie.

Joan attended Princeton High School and Purdue University. She has three children, Wade Dyke, Sarah Gardner, and Kate Shefchik. She has seven beloved grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters.

She and Bill Dyke were high school sweethearts and married in Baltimore, Md., in 1953. They lived in Monterrey, Calif., and in Frankfurt, Germany, before settling in Madison in 1955 to start their family. Joan re-married in 1979 to Don Viereg of Madison until he passed away.

She was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Blackhawk Country Club. Joan was Madison’s First Lady from 1969-1973 when Bill Dyke was Madison’s mayor.

Joan always was encouraging. “Find a way or make one,” was the memorable advice she gave regularly. She leaves her family with memories of an incomparable woman who took less and gave more; who encouraged education and achievement; and who set good examples.

To Ree and J.J. of Salon West; Fritz of Fritz’s Hair By Design; and Tammy of Tam’s Tips, thank you for many years of helping Joan stay lovely on the outside, too. She never, ever wanted to miss an appointment. She went beautifully into that good night. Also, thank you to Madison Taxi for transporting Joan safely and efficiently around the city.

Thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of UW-hospital for your compassion and kindness.

Lastly to our mother, you couldn’t remain with us forever though you tried heroically. Your legacy of patience, kindness, and encouragement will be with your family forever. Thank you for instilling in us a love of reading, education, Shakespeare, laughter, travel, decorating, and gracious living. You created a beautiful home where we shared wonderful memories.

Joan quoted Shakespeare to her granddaughters, and to paraphrase a favorite we write:

“Joan, sweet Joan, make her into little stars, and she will make the face of heaven shine so bright all the world will be love with night, and pay no mind to the garish sun.”

Forever, Joan, you are queen of our hearts.

Love always,

Wade, Sarah, and Kate

A visitation was held from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2018 at Cress Funeral Home in Madison, Wis., with a funeral service following.

An additional funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 27, at St. Mary’s of the Lake, 10 West Austin Street, Skaneateles, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to The M.I.N.D. Institute — Autism Research
University of California-Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, Calif. 95817 in honor of Joan's grandson, Charles Gardner III.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.