Joyce Catherine Ahrens

Joyce Ahrens of Waukesha died on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at AngelsGrace Hospice at the age of 84.   She was born at home on April 11, 1934 to Lester and Eleanor (nee Golanowski) Ahrens in the city of West Allis, WI.  Joyce was a 1953 graduate of  Notre Dame High School.  She went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse working as a X-ray Technician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee.  Joyce joined the Servants of Holly Heart of Mary, a French Canadian Order located in Urbana IL, as Sister Mary Gerard. As a sister she continued her work as X-ray Technician and LPN at Mercy Hospital serving children with cancer.   After 28 years of  service as a nun, Joyce joined the Champaign County Sheriff’s department as a law enforcement officer.  Joyce graduated from the University of Illinois, Police Trailing Institute in 1989 and served as a Correctional Officer and an Infirmary Nurse at the Champaign County Jail until retirement in 2002.

She is survived by her sister Joan (Dave) Ahrens of Waukesha, her brother James of Milwaukee, 4 nephews and a niece. She is further survived by other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved grandma Golanowski.
Joyce’s life was dedicated to serving others. She has touched many people and will be sorely missed.

Interment will at St. Adalbert Cemetery for immediate family. Memorials in Joyce’s name are appreciated to AngelsGrace Hospice, N74 W35908 Servants’ Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, HAWS, 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188.