Madison – Joan Helen Pfister Holden passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in Oregon, Wisconsin. She was born on July 30, 1936 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin the child of Albert S. Pfister and Hazel M. Champlin Pfister.

Joan graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1954 where she wished she’d been able to play girls’ sports and where she proudly quit band so she’d have more time to fool around in study hall. She was able to attend and graduate from Columbia County Teacher’s College in 1956 thanks to her brother Charles generously sharing an inheritance he received. She proudly became a teacher and principal.

On October 17, 1958, Joan married Donald J. Holden whom she had met because her sister, Betty, was dating Don’s brother, Bill. Joan and Don moved to Wisconsin Rapids where they had two children, Kelly and Kerry. Don and Joan both became involved in public service. Joan served most notably on the school board in Wisconsin Rapids where she campaigned tirelessly to get a new high school built which finally opened in 1979. She was a fixture of Democratic politics in Wood County. She was a member and then chair of the Education Communications Board for the state of Wisconsin as well.

In the 1990’s, Joan moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she worked for Motorola and then moved back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 2000’s, the allure of grandchildren being too great. As a child, Joan would accompany her grandmother, Edith, as she cleaned the movie theater in Wisconsin Dells and she fulfilled a lifelong dream of working in a movie theater when she became a ticket seller for Marcus Cinemas.

Joan and family spent many happy years camping, mostly across the river at North Wood County Park where you needed to set up a day early to get the Point and smoke always followed beauty. She loved Wisconsin Badger sports, especially basketball and volleyball and Brewers baseball. She enjoyed movies hosting many movie watching sleepovers with grandkids and music, playing it quite loud. Cocktail hour was a favorite time of day and she loved a lively political discussion. A day that started with a strong cup of black coffee and ended with a bowl of ice cream was a good day.

Joan is survived by her children Kelly Holden (Ken) Sidikman and Kerry Holden (David) Corneilson and grandchildren Iris and Artemis Sidikman and Julian Corneilson. She is survived by siblings Charles Pfister, Mary (Richard) Hauser, William (Betty) Pfister and Phyllis Braund. Joan is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. Joan is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don and sister, Betty. She is also preceded by many dear friends and family members.

An informal gathering of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union at ACLU.org. Mask wearing is welcomed but not mandatory.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Joan Holden

July 30, 1936 - September 20, 2023

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