Joan Patricia Svihovec, 86, of Eau Claire passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. She was born on January 1, 1925, a daughter of Andrew and Ellen (Burns) Garton. Joan graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1943. She married Spurgeon R. Svihovec on April 10, 1948, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Joan was a pioneer member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire. She served as president of the Eau Claire Homemakers, as well as a member of the Rosary Confraternity and Church groups. Joan's greatest joy was her family. The grandchildren enjoyed their "cousin sleepover nights" with treats, games and lots of giggles. Joan always looked forward to Sunday drives. Joan was a loving and dedicated mother throughout her life. She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Jo Hite and Nancy Spanel, both of Eau Claire; her son, Steve Svihovec of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Ben (Kylee) Spanel, Paul Spanel, Anne (Kyle) Raeder, Dylan (Stephanie) Hite, Kevin Hite, Kari and Amy Svihovec; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Jase, and Myles Hite, and Luke and Charles Raeder. She was preceded in death by her husband Spurgeon in 2004; her parents; brothers, Tom and Jim Garton; sister, Dorothy Peterson; son-in-law, Sam Spanel; and brothers and sisters-in - law. A Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church with Father Konopa officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, October 17, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home WEST CHAPEL, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire with a Public Prayer Vigil beginning at 6:30 p.m., and also one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Eau Claire.

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