Within the hour of arriving home after our annual family Christmas celebration, on December 17, 2023, Joan Gerow, Kaukauna, age 88, continued on her journey to be with God and all of her siblings, Dale, Dave, Mary Ellen, Don and Rita in heaven. She was born September 6th, 1935, to the late Norbert and Agnes (Gillen) Kilgas.  On May 5th, 1956 Joan married Francis Gerow, her "one and only". They celebrated 67 years of marriage.  It was quite apparent how much they loved each other as they would look into each other's eyes and share a kiss both coming and going. They were often seen holding hands. Mom achieved the title of Silver Life Master in duplicate bridge and was a 1953 Kaukauna class correspondent. She had previously worked at Thilmany helping many people figure out their health insurance benefits.

Joan is survived by her husband, Francis.  Together they lovingly raised six "favorite" children, Pat (Tom) Mooney, Sue McCabe, Dan Gerow, Mary Ann Stingle, Amy (Kevin) Schroeder and Linda (Gary) Tessen. She enjoyed 20 special grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her in-laws: Joyce Gerow, Dallas (Maurice) Lamers, Keith (Cathy) Gerow, special friend Lois Adrian. Mom had 6 godchildren: the late John Kilgas, Mark Rewey, Tom Schumann, Barb (Adrian) Grassl, Faith (Lamers) Keefer and Kari (Mahn) Agen. One of her greatest accomplishments was being "Favorite Aunt Joan" to her many nieces and nephews. If you have the chance to stop by her beloved St. Mary's Church to say your final goodbyes, it would be in YOUR best interest to say "My, doesn't she look nice."

Preceded in death by her husband's family, Howard and Mildred (Wilcox) Gerow, his 3 sisters and 2 brothers; her siblings and their spouses, a son-in-law (Bruce) and a grandchild (Kevin).

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 21st, 2023 at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH (119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the Kaukauna Fire Department for their exceptional patience, care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pillars Homeless Shelter, Appleton, Wisconsin.