Joan Janet Downey

Joan Janet Downey, 88, died Friday afternoon, February 5, 2021, after a cancer diagnosis in 2019. Born April 30, 1932, in Green Bay, she is the daughter of the late Raymond J. and Erna C. (Lambert) Strehlow. Joan was a graduate of East High School, an avid reader of biographies, memoirs and nonfiction. She was a supporter of human rights and nature conservation. Joan was a collector of antiquities, an art enthusiast, a fond listener of classical music and opera, and appreciated the music of Leonard Cohen. She enjoyed watching PBS programming and M*A*S*H reruns. As a young woman, Joan was a clerical worker at the medical college of Marquette University. She also worked as a sales clerk at Gimbels Department Store.

Joan is survived by her children, Kathleen Krause, Tucson, AZ, Karla Krause, Green Bay, WI, Kristopher (Gail) Krause, Lodi, WI, and Ilse Krause, Chicago, IL; and extended family, Ann Downey (Kermit) Klees, Waterville, IA, and Roger (Diane) Downey, Alexandria, VA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Keith Downey; special cousin, Jacqueline Ullmer; and many other relatives and friends.

Joan’s family would like to extend a special “thank you” to cousin Maxine Picard for her love and support; the “The Cousins” for all their luncheon gatherings throughout the years; Joan’s dear friend, Lola; the staff at Renaissance Assisted Living; Dr. Hoppe and the staff at St. Vincent Hospital 9thFloor; and Unity Hospice.

Joan will be missed by her family and friends. Due to Covid-19, there will be no service. Malcore (East) Funeral Home is serving the family.