Joan E. DeMars, 88, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire.

Joan was born on July 3, 1935 in an upstairs apartment located on Main Street in Durand, WI to Kenneth and Ruth (Nussberger) Drier. Joan graduated from Boyceville High School in 1953. She worked for a time in Minneapolis, MN, then enrolled at the University of WI - River Falls. While a student at UWRF, Joan met Roger DeMars at a dance at Koolmo's Ballroom in Gilman. Joan and Roger were married at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cornell, WI on June 28, 1958.

Joan was a wonderful wife and mother to her four children. She enjoyed teaching, watching the Brewers and Packers, cooking, fishing, and an occasional trip to the casino. She had a great sense of humor and led a faith filled life.

Joan was a kind and devoted elementary teacher. Her first position was teaching kindergarten in Cornell. She had many stellar students including son, Randy. Joan and Roger moved to Eau Claire in 1973 and Joan began teaching at Fall Creek until her retirement in 1995.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Roger DeMars; her parents, Kenneth and Ruth Drier; brother-in-law, Chuck Hamilton; and grandson, Eric DeMars.

Joan is survived by her children, Randy (Nancy) DeMars of Eau Claire, Lon (Cheryl) DeMars of Mosinee, Tami (Steve) Fossum of Viroqua, and Cheryl (Steve) Pikal of Eden Prairie; 9 grandchildren; siblings, Bob (Elva) Drier, Ginny (John) Templin, Rose (John) Mathy, Don (Joan) Drier, Gloria Hamilton, Carol Pedersen; several loving great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, with Fr. Francis Thadathil officiating. A luncheon with follow the Mass. Visitation will be at 9:30 am up until the Mass at the church. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, Eau Claire is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immaculate Conception Church are preferred.