Joyce Koller

MADISON- Joyce A. Koller, age 85, passed away at Agrace HospiceCare on Thursday, October 9, 2014 after a brief illness. She was born on July 8, 1929 in Wausau, Wis. to parents Albin and Natalie (Heinzen) Forsmo.

She spent a happy childhood with her twin sister, Jeannine. Both were academically gifted and participated in many school activities. She accrued enough credits to graduate early from high school. During her senior year, she received "honorable mention" in the nationwide 1947 "Science Talent Search" competition for her paper on radioactivity.

She attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison on a four year scholarship. She enjoyed campus life at Chadbourne Hall--much of it spent with her twin. She took coursework in the College of Letters and Science for the first three years before entering the Medical School during her fourth year. She was a member of two academic honor societies: Sigma Epsilon Sigma and Phi Beta Kappa, the latter for which she had her 2014 membership card on her dresser! She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences. After her graduation, she taught physiology at the University of Wisconsin. For many years thereafter, she was active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW)--particularly its book club functions. She proudly attended her 50th class reunion in 2001.

The World War II Army Air Force veteran who became her husband, Norbert Koller, was the organizer for the annual semi-formal dance at the campus Newman Center. That event was their first date. She initially declined his invitation because she was studying for an exam. They were subsequently married on September 8, 1951. Together they had five daughters. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001, an accomplishment that was noted by Pope John Paul II. They were ultimately married 59 � years.

She was a homemaker until her children were grown. During that time she assisted with numerous scouting and parent-teacher association activities. Later, she returned to the world of science, working at the water testing unit in the State Lab of Hygiene, where she was noted for her dependability and attention to detail.

She was a good organizer--albeit often behind the scenes. She participated in many activities in her parish, Our Lady Queen of Peace. She served in numerous capacities for "Respect for Life". She was awarded the "Bishop O'Connor General Assembly Layperson of the Year" award for 1991-1992. She was a tireless advocate for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).

She was an avid gardener--tending to plants both inside and outside of the house. Cuttings from some of her African violets are still going strong 30 plus years later! She appreciated good artistry and craftsmanship. She delighted in novel works found at the Art Fair on the Square and during excursions to Door County as well as items obtained by her daughters on their travels. Not surprisingly, she visited as many museums as possible during a 2008 visit to Washington, DC. She enjoyed playing the piano; Debussy was a favored composer. She was an excellent seamstress and could quilt. She pursued rosemaling and other handcrafts. She even enjoyed being herded, i.e., gently nipped in the ankles, by her daughter's and son-in-law's protective Australian shepherd dog.

She explored the world through literature. The topic could be biomedical updates, ethical dilemmas, exotic locations (especially if maps were involved), fine arts, literary fiction, and mysteries (particularly those by Tony Hillerman). She also loved puzzles including cryptograms and Sudoku.

Above all, she valued her friends from her advocacy, bridge-playing, literary, and parish activities as well as those from the Knights of Columbus social circle.

She is survived by her twin sister, Jeannine (Daniel) Meyer of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and five daughters, Elizabeth of Silver Spring, MD, Anne of Madison, Patricia of Madison, Mary Koller-Sperle (Douglas) of La Crosse, WI, and Joan Koller-Pine (Dennis) of Black Earth, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be sent to the Our Lady Queen of Peace Educational Endowment Fund, the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Agrace Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at 11:00 a.m with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, Tuesday, October 14, 2014, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A Rosary prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The Koller family would like to extend our most sincere thanks to all the nursing staff at St. Mary's Hospital and to the Agrace HospiceCare staff.

Please share memories of Joyce at www.CressFuneralService.com

Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434