Purkapile, Joan M.

Joan M. Purkapile, 81, formerly of Wesley Avenue in Janesville died May 14, 2010 at Belgium Gardens in Belgium, Wisconsin, where she been a resident since February , 2010.

She was born July 3, 1928 the only child of Harry G. and Marie A. Duchesne Eichendorf in Iowa City, Iowa.  Growing up in McGregor, Iowa she lived with her parents for many years and worked at the button factory.  In the mid 1950�s she moved to Janesville, later taking a job at Cedar Crest Retirement Home.  She worked there for over 20 years as their driver and a resident assistant.  She also drove the Chorusters Senior Choral Group.  

Joan was an auto buff, washing and waxing her car often and taking many family trips across the country.  She was a kind hearted woman who encouraged many and wrote many letters as the family communicator.

She is survived by her children Kris (Roger) Austin of Port Washington, WI and Mary Ross of Janesville.  Further survived by grandchildren Mark (Somer) Mansur of Janesville, Marcy (Britton) Johnson of Verona, Katie Ross of Janesville, Timothy (Leah) Austin and Eric (fianc� Chelsea Wilcox) Austin, both of Minneapolis, MN and Cpl Todd Austin, USMC of Twentynine Palms, CA; one great grandchild on the way, other relatives and friends.

Pastors Ron Lord and Steve Grusendorf will officiate memorial services 5 pm Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Orchard View Alliance Church in Janesville.  Family will receive friends after the service.  Interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa

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