Joan Ames

Joan E. Ames, age 75, of Lancaster, died Friday, January 29, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. Joan was born on November 13, 1940 in Tennyson, a daughter of Leo & Sylvia (Broihan) Schmitz. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1958. Joan married John Ames on May 23, 1959 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster. She raised her family while working at the former Lancaster Memorial Hospital and later, at Morningside Assisted Living, until her retirement. Joan enjoyed collectables, car club cruises, family camping trips, and cooking and baking for her family.

Joan is survived by her husband, John; her children, Julie (Terry) Knapp, Jim, Jerry (Pauline), Joel (Tina), Jeff (Linda) and Jon (Sandy); 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and her cat, Mittens.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Joyce Klaas; a niece, Kim Myers; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Ames; and a grandson, Duane.

Family greeted friends on Saturday, April 2, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster. Private family burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. A Joan Ames Memorial Fund has been established.