Joyce Mary Brogan
Joyce Mary Brogan, age 94, of West Salem, WI (formally of Friendship, WI) died peacefully in her sleep on December 21, 2018.
A celebration of Life will be held at the Friendship Village Hall, 507 W. Lake St. Friendship, WI from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on June 1, 2019. All who knew Joyce are welcome to stop in and share a story or memory of her.
Joyce was born on August 15, 1924, in Arkdale, WI to Frank and Lucy (Arquette) O’Toole. She grew up in Arkdale and attended Adams-Friendship High School, graduating in 1941. After high school she attended college in Milwaukee for one year, studying music. She moved to Long Beach, CA and worked as a Bank teller and sold war bonds during WWII. She also had the opportunity to sing for the USO. While in California, she reunited with a fellow A-F graduate, John Brogan, and they married on August 14, 1944. The Brogan’s returned to Adams-Friendship, where they lived and raised 6 children.
Joyce’s musical abilities were well known throughout the region. Not only did she give piano and organ lessons, she played organ for many years at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Adams, WI. She played piano and sang for many weddings and at local establishments. She accompanied many school musicians for their band and singing recitals. For many years, Joyce conducted sing-a-longs at various senior centers and nursing homes wherever she was living. She was also a talented artist, painting on canvas and
wood-burning pictures on mushrooms.
Joyce was a member of the PTA in Adams and was a Girl Scouts and 4-H leader.
Joyce and John enjoyed traveling around the United States and Canada in their little camper, making friends wherever they went. Joyce was also fortunate to travel to Ireland, Hawaii, and the Dominican Republic. After John passed, Joyce moved to Texas for a few years and then returned to Wisconsin, settling in the La Crosse area.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucy 0’Toole, her husband John H. Brogan, her brother John, and her sister Grace.
She is survived by her children: Peggy (Loren) Bahls of Helena, MT; Shannon “Sharon” Brogan of Hager City, WI; Peter (Melinda) Brogan of Friendship, WI; Michael Brogan of Friendship, WI; Jane Brogan of Onalaska, WI; and Colleen Brogan-Raasch (Robert) of Onalaska, WI; grandchildren: C. Patrick Bahls, Bradley Bahls, Sarah Jones, Matthew Brogan, James Brogan, Daniel Brogan, Lindsay Raasch, and Keely Raasch. Further survived by several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Joyce supported many causes and many charities. Her family would appreciate your gifting the memorials to one of these:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Wisconsin Chapter
400 South Executive Drive 109
Brookfield, WI 53005
or
DAV – Disabled American Veterans
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
Joyce will be missed. Her song may have ended… but her music will go on.
So many memories of aunt Joyce and her talents and love of life. Spent much time with her, uncle John and the kids in my youth. We had wonderful times together and i was always included in the adventures when visiting my grandparents. Didn’t send a card to all you cousins but know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the memories Joyce!
Our sincere sympathy to all of Joyce’s family. She was a special lady.
To the Brogan Family.. Steve and I would like to extend our deepest sorrows for your loss. What a wonderful life she lived! Seems you were all truely Blessed. May you all find good memories and peace love and joy at this time of sorrow. Love Wendy and Steve Wenzel
What a good long life Joyce had!! You were blessed to have had her for so many years. My sympathy to you all!
Shannon: Sorry to hear about your mom she was a great lady. She will be singing and playing the organ for all in heaven. May she REST IN PEACE.
Mike we are so sorry for your loss.
I remember your Mother always had a smile to offer. Our condolences to your family.
Sorry for the loss of your mother.
Our sympathy to the Brogan family at this sad time.
Sorry for your loss of your mother.
She was a very nice talented lady. I sang in the choir at St Joseph’s when she played the organ.
So sorry for your loss.
to the Brogan family so sorry for your loss
We have lost a very talented and beautiful person. RIP Joyce.
Sorry for the passing of Joyce. John & Joyce were both so much more than could be put on paper! Our condolences to the family!
To all of the Brogan Family I am sorry for your loss of Joyce, I always enjoyed time spent with her and I know she will be missed by all
who knew her. Prayers for you all.
We’re so sorry. Joyce was a great person. I hope your memories of her help bring you peace, knowing the joy she brought to so many others.
So sorry for your families loss. Your mom, my mom Mary Jane Chilewski’ and my Aunt Polly Gutekunst we’re good friends in school years ago. RIP Joyce.
Joyce had many talents & was most gracious when you stopped by to see her many creations. RIP Joyce.
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Many memories of my days in Girl Scouts. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
My thoughts are with all of you on your mother’s loss.
So sorry on your loss. May God family friends comfort you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories
So sorry for your family’s loss