WINDSOR/MADISON-Joan Lucille Evans (Zeier) passed away peacefully at home in Oakwood Village in Madison, WI on February 21st, 2018 at the age of 91.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Donald “Don”. She is survived by five children; Dale (Debra), Steve (Julie), Chris (Karen), James, and Richard (Jennifer); sisters Bonnie (Robert – deceased) and Joyce (Hollis); twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Joan was born in Madison, WI to Leo and Anna (Clemens) Zeier on November 11th, 1926. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm and attended St. Bernard’s grade school and Madison Edgewood High School. In 1944, she enrolled in Madison Business College and upon graduation, worked at Wisconsin Power & Light, all the while tending to her mother’s three acre garden back on the farm. Her consummate strength and stability would be a persistent theme throughout her full life.

Joan married her husband, Don, in 1948 and together founded Evans Plastics that same year. Joan’s brother joined the business to form Evans-Zeier Plastics in 1951, which laid the groundwork for the launch of EVCO Plastics in 1964, a manufacturing company which is still family owned and operated to this day. The couple raised five boys, first in Madison, WI and then in Windsor, WI, which is where they resided until they relocated to Reno, NV in 1981. While in Reno, Joan was able to broaden her interest in ceramics and you could often find her experimenting with new glazes and molds in her studio space. Her dog “Tig” was always by her side.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joan’s name to Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care at https://www.agrace.org/donate/ or Oakwood Village - http://www.oakwoodvillage.net/support-us. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Oakwood Village and Agrace for their thoughtful and attentive care. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Senior Helpers: Kristi, Peggy, Michelle, and Sheree.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/ DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

(608) 846-4250

Joan Evans

November 11, 1926 - February 21, 2018

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