Obituary of Joan Carol Keliher

Joan died peacefully on August 24,2022 in Peoria, Arizona She was born July 10, 1934 in Eau Claire, Wisc. to Clarence and Lucille Krumenauer. Joan had two brothers, Norman and Thomas. She attended St. Pat’s HS where she met her future husband Terry Keliher. Terry joined the Army and Joan attended St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She then worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After marrying Terry in 1955 they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where they raised 3 kids - Tracy, Mike and Matt. With her nursing background Joan found time between being a great homemaker and mother to be a substitute school nurse and was on the children’s eye and ear testing team in our area. Her kids were so proud to have Mom at their school! Our parents were the best! They were always there for us when we were young and as the years went by either near or far away. They were always proud of us as we were proud of them too. Joan always loved to stay active. From winning ribbons for softball in grade school at McDonough Park in Eau Claire, Wisc. to Phoenix Center Court and Ladies Day Tennis. She also played volleyball at area parks around town. She made many long time and dear friends. Our family loved going hiking and camping and heading to the Boondocks! That was alot of work packing and planning food and supplies, but Joan loved it. Many weekends were spent in the desert and mountains in our Jeep Wagoneer with or without the camper or trailer. Mom and Dad were an awesome team that could handle all things. They were best friends. Terry and Joan were part of the Phoenix XL Motorcycle Club for many years taking trips all over the state. Also, they were part of The Roadrunner Prospecting Club of Phoenix. They really enjoyed the gatherings and possible chance of finding a prized gold nugget or two! In 2005 they moved to Sun City, AZ. They were just down the street from Terry’s sister Kelly and husband Dave. So nice to have this comfort and friendship in a new place. During all her time in the Phoenix area Joan kept up with so many old friends and continued to play cribbage and poker on a regular basis for over 40 years! Joan leaves behind her daughter Terese and husband Don Doyle and granddaughter Denise Doyle of Charlotte, NC Son Michael Keliher and wife Sharon of Mayer, AZ, granddaughter Rebecca and husband Roy Dillard, great grandchildren Nate, Noah, AJ, Naomi and Nia of El Mirage, AZ. Son Matthew Keliher and husband Bob Blecher of North Phx, AZ and Sister-in-Law Kelly Abraham of Sun City, AZ Joan loved her family, girlfriends and her Hospice Angels Heidi Foreman and Millie Colon as we all did. The Family sends special thanks and appreciation to Paradise West Senior Living and Hospice of the Valley. (The Family will have a private gathering at a later date).