H. Joan Kriedeman, 76, of Eau Claire died Thursday, September 2, 2004, at Sacred Heart Hospital. She fought a long battle with cancer, always keeping her courage, faith and optimism. Her family is very grateful to the devoted friends and caregivers who helped and supported her over the years.\r\nJoan was born December 22, 1927 in Shelby County, IA, the daughter of Harold and H. Wilma (Parker) Nissen. Joan married Robert J. Kriedeman in Iowa City, IA on September 18, 1948.\r\nJoan worked for 22 years for UW -Eau Claire until her retirement in 1993. For the last eight years at the university she worked as a computer specialist in information management. Joan was involved in many organizations at the university, including the Wellness Committee, Employees Employee Assistance Program, and Affirmative Action Committee.\r\nShe was a member of the Church Council, First Congregational United Church of Christ; TTT; Alpha Xi Delta, at the University of Iowa; and Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra Guild. Joan was one of the founders of the Eau Claire Women's Network and Investment Web, and was a board member of the Mental Health Association and Group Health. Other professional activities include past officer of Professional Secretaries International, and secretary/treasurer of Women in Higher Education at UW-EC. She also was an advocate for women's issues in the workplace and beyond, and was a featured speaker at conferences related to these issues.\r\nJoan achieved a lifelong goal when she earned her private pilot license in 2001 at the age of 72, several years after her initial cancer diagnosis. She was an American Cancer Society Relay for Life honorary chairwoman, Buckshot Run participant, and an avid bridge player. She did volunteer work for Food Pantry, Community Table, The State Regional Arts Center, and she taught personal computer classes to seniors at the L. E. Phillips Senior Center.\r\nJoan is survived by her six children, Beth (Dave) Adamoli of Libertyville, IL, LuAnn (Chris) Thomas of Littleton, CO, Curt (Robin) Kriedeman of Cumberland, WI, Paula (Duncan) Cameron of Pasadena, CA, Scott (Thomas Gessner) Kriedeman of Minneapolis, MN, Krista (Mark) Verhein of Shorewood, WI; five grandchildren, Marla (Ted) Bachrach of Chicago, Cory Takahashi of Burbank, CA, Samantha Borich of St. Paul, MN, Dan Kriedeman and Savanna Kriedeman both of Cumberland, WI; two brothers-in-law, Robert Bell of Munster, IN and Miles Chenault of Crystal River, FL; nieces and nephews.\r\nJoan was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Phyllis (Miles) Chenault of Miami, FL; Eleanor (Robert) Bell of Munster, IN; Trudy Lubin of Boca Raton, FL, and brother Wallace Nissen of Omaha, NE.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 2004, at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Mark Pirazzini officiating. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Layton Township Cemetery, Walnut, IA on September 20 at 11 a.m.\r\nHer family requests memorials be directed to First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703; Beacon House, 309 E. Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701; Alpha Xi Delta Foundation, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268; TTT National Endowment Fund, National TTT Society, 204 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641-2161; Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, 316 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701; University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550.

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