Joan Marie Pier

Joan Marie Pier, age 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Pillars at Crystal Bay. She was a lifelong resident of Racine, born on May 13, 1934, the daughter of Lester and Florence (Nee: Griffith) Veltus. Joan was united in marriage to Theodore J. Pier on February 4, 1961 at St. Edward Catholic Church where she was a parishioner for 89 years. She received her education at St. Edward’s Grade School, St. Catherine’s High School and Dominican College. She taught school for 6 years at St. Edward’s.

At age 45, she returned to school at Gateway Technical College where she received a Associate Degree in Medical Assistant graduating on the honor roll. She worked at Racine Radiologists for five years and then went on to work for the Allergy Clinic of Racine retiring in 1997 because of failing health. She loved taking care of people. Joan loved volunteering at church and Lincoln Village Convalescent Center. She loved her family and especially enjoyed doing things with her two boys, Tim and Tom and their cousin Patrick when they were young. She found great joy in gardening, golfing, fishing and traveling especially on cruises.

Joan was a member of the Ladies of Columbus, member and former state president of the United Commercial Travelers and a longtime member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her sons, Timothy (Pegi) Pier, Thomas Pier; grandchildren, Jason, Amanda, Rudi, Alex; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Esther Veltus; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; daughter-in-law, Sheila Pinkalla; and brother, Richard Veltus

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10:00 A.M. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue, with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family prior to the Mass 9-10 am.

In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Edward Catholic have been suggested.

A special and sincere thank you to the staffs of The Pillars at Crystal Bay and St. Croix Hospice for their support and care.