Joan Marie Studer Gapinski was born to eternal life on June 23, 2024 at the age of 84.

She made everything more beautiful.

In April of 1940, a delighted Edward and Mary Studer welcomed their sweet daughter, "Joanie." She and her big brother, Eddie, aka "Sonny," grew up in Hales Corners, a village she would call home almost all of her life. Her parents fostered curiosity, creativity, and practicality.

Joan was a graduate of Pius High School, known by classmates for her kindness, vivacious personality, and beauty. This lovely Studer would disappoint many-a-would-be-suitor when she fell for the charming and talented Tom Gapinski. They married in 1959, settling in Milwaukee and starting their family. They built a house in Hales Corners on the "Gapinski Ponderosa," where they raised their five children: Mary, James, Nancy, Susan and Daniel.

From Joan's beloved mother, she learned to sew, cook, and bake, and from her devoted father, she learned how to fix things. She put these skills to good use and made their house into a loving home. Her children and later her grandchildren spent many hours on the backyard tree swing or hammock enjoying the gardens Joan cultivated. T hey would head inside for meals she made from her vegetable garden.

In the colder months, they enjoyed figure skating on the backyard ice rink Joan built and later warming up by a fire. The grandchildren have fond memories of helping Grandma set up her Christmas Village display, complete with almost as many miniature residents as Gapinski grandchildren.

Joan and Tom could often be seen out in their community. They were active in the parishes of St. Mary's in Hales Corners and St. Roman's in Milwaukee. They were faithful servants who shared their time and talents at church services and events. They built strong friendships through their RENEW group that met for many years. For Joan, one friendship led to another and eventually to the formation of a book club that enjoyed lively discussions, themed treats, and friendships beyond the pages of the books.

Joan and Tom loved and supported the arts through memberships at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee Symphony and through frequent visits to the theater, ballet, and opera. They supported young artists, logging an unprecedented number of hours watching their grandchildren perform in concerts, plays, and recitals. They showed up in the stands to cheer for their grandchildren at sporting events too.

Always a hard worker, Joan worked at M & I Bank for several years. Her passion for sewing turned into her own sewing business called, "Alterations by Joan." Joan spent many years teaching others to sew at Frank's Sewing, Sew Much More, Milwaukee Area Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College. She is remembered by her students for teaching with "joy, patience, and finesse."

Joan treasured her family. She honored her parents by caring for them in their old age. She helped her husband care for his mother who lived next-door to them, until her death at age 100. She was there for her children throughout the ups and down that life brings. She joyously welcomed each grandchild with her beautiful smile and handcrafted quilts.

Joan made important life events even more special by creating custom wedding dresses, couture gowns, suits, communion dresses, baptismal outfits, and even a tuxedo for Tom! She created memories and passed down traditions by teaching many of her grandchildren how to sew too. A lifelong learner who understood the importance of trial and error, Joan was not afraid to try new things or return to favorite pastimes.

50-some-years did not deter her from resuming her accordion lessons with her then 90-year-old teacher, Eddie Komorowski. With his encouragement, she joined the Milwaukee Accordion Club, delighting audiences with their polkas and waltzes.

She will be remembered for her many pursuits, as a seamstress, figure skater, painter, photographer, baker, decorator, quilter, gardener, sailor, singer, avid reader, and even as a belly dancer. More importantly, she will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and cousin. Her family is her legacy. Joan's dear friend, Cheryl Axford aptly wrote, "Heaven has gained a true angel."

Joan is survived by children: Mary (Carl) Below of Waukesha, James (Nancy) Gapinski of Green Bay, Nancy (John) Migliano of Brookfield, Susan (Mario) Gasparri of Greendale and Daniel (Nancy) Gapinski of Glendale. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren: Alyse (Brad) Rodich, Lauren (Jacob) Grisa, Samantha (Collin) Benz, Aaron (Jeanette) Below, Carley Below, Joshua Below, Abigail (Dave) Mikesell, Ellen (Mike) Montenaro, Max Gapinski, Maggi (James) Phelps, Tess (Steve) Linn, Katherine (Luke) Hetue, Paul Gapinski, Sonja Gapinski, Natalie (Brett) Moxon, Nathan Dillon, Noah Dillon, Jack Migliano, Ava Migliano, Bianca Gasparri, Piero Gasparri, Marisa Gasparri, Mario Gasparri, Gina Gasparri, Ben Gapinski, and Zoe Gapinski. Joan is further survived by her 21 great-grandchildren: Luke, Nate, Alaina, Audrey, Everett, Samuel, Clara, Eleanora, Elizabeth, Sophia, Isaiah, John, Bernie, EJ, Rico, Judy, Maria, Josephine, Martin, Eliza, and Miles. She is also survived by brothers-in-law: Michael (Susan) of Hubertus and Peter (Carol) of Green Bay, and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Gapinski of Wisconsin Rapids. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her dear husband, Thomas Gapinski, her parents, Edward and Mary Studer, brother Edward Studer Jr., father-in-law Max Gapinski, mother-in-law, Blanche Gapinski, brother-in-law, John Gapinski, nephews Jim Studer and Jeff Studer and niece, Dana Studer Ruetz.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Parish, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, Wisconsin 53130, on Tuesday, July 9th starting with visitation from 9:30am -10:45am and a memorial Mass at 11:00am.

Immediately following the Mass, family and friends are invited to share memories and a meal at The Polish Center located at 6941 S. 68th St., Franklin, WI 53132