M. Joan Moore, age 85 of Darlington, WI formerly of Gratiot, WI passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Lafayette Manor in Darlington. She was born June 6, 1935 in Gratiot the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Short) McDonald. Joan grew up in Gratiot where she graduated from Gratiot High School in 1954. She furthered her education at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Joan married the love of her life, Jerome Moore on November 29, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gratiot. Together they lived on their family farm outside of Gratiot. Joan dedicated her working years to teaching young children at Riverside, Brannon, and Mud Hollow Country Schools, and 1st grade at Gratiot Elementary school until her retirement in 1994.

Joan is survived by her three sons: Greg Moore of Mancos, CO, Jeff (Mary) Moore of Gratiot, and Gary (Diane) Moore of Gentry, AR; her grandchildren: Adam (Ashley) Moore of Gratiot, Connor Moore of Rockton, IL, Brooke Moore of Appleton, WI, Justine (Cody) Davis of Sandwich, IL, and Colten and Tanner Moore of Fayetteville, AR; one great-granddaughter: Jovi Davis; two brothers: Jimmy (Janet) McDonald and Johnny (Carmen) McDonald; and four sisters: Irene (Billy) Graham, Jerry Cullen, Laureen (Tom) Donahoe, and Lorraine (Jerry) Bartels; two sisters-in-law: Jean Gille and Rita Orr; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerome; four brothers-in-law: Daniel Cullen, Gerald Gille, Jack Moore, and Ron Walesa; a sister-in-law: Jill Walesa; and a special friend: Tony Wand.

Joan was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church a branch of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and St. Joseph’s in Gratiot. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing cards with her family and friends. Joan enjoyed traveling and cherished the memories she made with her children and grandchildren while on their many trips. Joan will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Gratiot. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Joan’s name.

Although not required, it is the recommendation of the funeral home staff that masks are worn during the duration of your visit inside of the church and that you practice proper social distancing guidelines.