Joanne Mary (Zirbel) Drews passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 28, 2024.  Joanne was born April 11, 1929 to Marion and Charles Zirbel in Milwaukee, WI.

While attending Washington High School in Milwaukee, Joanne met "the love of her life," John Drews.  Married in 1949, their first home was in Madison, WI, and in 1952 they moved to Rochester.  Joanne was a homemaker, and John a social studies teacher and head football coach at John Marshall High School.

Joanne was a devout Catholic, active in the Christian Family Movement and Teams of Our Lady.  She taught religious education for 45 years, and served as an Eucharistic minister and lector.  While her faith and religious activities kept her busy, she also volunteered at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home.  Joanne was very active in her children's education and athletic events, and an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan.  Finally, Joanne wanted to be sure to say one more time – her husband was her best friend and "the love of her life."

Joanne is survived by six daughters and three sons:  Karen (Gil) Munoz, Nancy Lockwood, Donna (John) Boespflug, Kay (Richard) Nelson, Jack (Maureen) Drews, Debbie (Jeff) Linder, Michael (Twyila Lay) Drews, Peggy (Scott) Drews-Radke, and David (Karen Roberts) Drews.  She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her sister Lucky and brother Richard.  Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Janet, brothers Charlie and John, son-in-law Art Lockwood, great niece Janet Witte, and great granddaughter Charlotte Truwe.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Arbor Terrace.

A celebration of Joanne's life is Saturday, May 4, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester.  Visitation is at 10:00 AM, and mass at 11:00 AM.  A luncheon will follow.