Ivy's sister Eileen gave birth to Tessa Sayaka Gregan at 7:15am on Feb. 2, 2003. The baby was 6 lbs. 6 ounces. She seemed to know that she was late (due date was Jan. 31st) because Eileen was in labor for only a little over 4 hours. We were at the hospital for only 30 minutes or so before the baby was delivered.

Aunt Elaine died in her sleep Friday, March 15 shortly after a visit and prayer with sister Gert in the Sun City Good Shepherd nursing home where Elaine had lived since December when her thigh broke. She previously lived in a private-care home there and for two years at the Willow Wind senior residence in Prescott, AZ where she moved about 1957 after her father (Grandpa Otto) died in Lannon. Elaine had lived for decades in her home on the lower edge of a large hillside of desert plants, trees and boulders overlooking downtown Prescott and the valley beyond. Elaine had retired from the Valley National Bank where she was the senior customer service person. Her sister Frances had moved to Prescott earlier when her husband, Rev. Al Leerssen was called to pastor a local Lutheran church. Elaine had cared for her mother (Rosa Buttke) who died in 1942 and for her father. Elaine is survived by her sister Gertrude (Aunt Gert or Gertie) and was preceded in death by brothers Leonard (1907-2000) and Archy (1910-1999) and sister Frances (about 1905-1985). She is fondly remembered by nieces and nephews--Rachel, Jerry, David, Joel, Jane, Garry & Larry, Daniel, Janis, and Rosie (oldest to youngest, approximately). And grand nieces and nephews, et al. Janis has been particularly close to Elaine since moving to the southwest about 15 years ago. Janis took Elaine to the Mayo clinic in AZ 3+ years ago for examinations. Gert and Janis visited her often and arranged for her care and paid her bills. Dave and I visited in Spring 2000. Elaine will be memorialized at Christ Lutheran Church on Palm Sunday in Prescott Valley, AZ. Her remains will be buried at Sunnyside Cemetery in Lannon, Wisconsin near her parents and Uncle Bill, possibly later this year. Jane Strutz will arrange for the committal. Elaine was born January 14, 1921 and died March 15, 2002, two days prior to St. Patricks?s day, her father?s birth date in 1877. I remember her many birthday, Easter,and Christmas cards, always with personal notes. I also remember an old photo of Elaine pulling me on a sled. The dining room table is graced with her gift of two large native made candlesticks (wedding present). I remember visiting Elaine in Arizona in 1964 and in 2000 with Dave and her visits to Sun City, Wenatchee and Wisconsin. I wish there had been more visits and calls and more correspondence from me. She had strong opinions and a cheery disposition, was very articulate and interesting to talk with.

Leonard Joecks, of Lannon. Aug. 8, 2000, age 93 years. Beloved husband of Lorraine for over 60 years. Loving father of Jane (William) Strutz, Larry (Rachel), Garry (Sharon) and Rosalind (Robert) Smocke. Dear grandpa of Rodney (Christine) Strutz, Nathan (Elizabeth) Strutz, Michelle (Timothy) Baio, Melissa Strutz, Victor and Charity Joecks, Michael, Jeremy and Jenny Joecks, Alicia, Justin, Shawn, Patrick and Michelle Smocke and great-grandpa of 4. Brother of Gertrude Keipper and Elaine Joecks. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation Fri., Aug. 11 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, 20801 W. Forrest View Dr., Lannon, WI from 11 AM until time of Service at 2 PM. Burial to follow, Sunnyside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of your choice appreciated. Len was a lifelong member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church and owned and operated Joeck's Service.