Joan Mary (Hying) Niedermeyer, age 60, went to be with the Lord unexpectedly on October 20, 2008 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Joan was born January 7, 1948 in Highland, Wisconsin to Leo and Mary Jean (Tomashaska) Hying. Her mother predeceased her on July 5, 1959. She married James Niedermeyer on November 16, 1968. Together they raised three daughters in Arizona.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend with many passions. First and foremost was her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Second was her dedication to her husband of almost 40 years. She treasured the time spent with her daughters and grandchildren.

She touched many people throughout her life by giving to others. She was an avid volunteer with many local community groups and churches. She always made time to “visit” and stay in touch with family and friends all over the world. Her concern for others still continues today. Her final wish was to donate her body for medical research and this wish will be fulfilled at Duke University.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by two nieces (Kelby and Jessie Schmelzer) and one nephew (Tyler Laufenberg).

Joan is survived by her husband (James), three daughters: Wendy (Michael) Lemme, Dawn (Scott) Zook, Tiffany (Gary) Brawley and seven grandchildren. Other survivors include: her parents Leo and Bernadette(Wienkes) Hying, married on Oct 19^th, 1960, her younger siblings Pat (Cindy) Hying, Helen (Bruce) Laufenberg, Evelyn (Jess) Schmelzer, Tim (Kathy) Hying, Alice (Tim) Yanna, Curt (Barb) Hying, Bruce (Vicki) Hying and 18 nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by her devoted and faithful friend, Karen Zehm.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 11:00 am at Ss Anthony and Philip Catholic Church, Highland Wisconsin. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joan Hying Niedermeyer Scholarship Fund at Highland High School or Boscobel Pregnancy Helpline, 409 E. Kansas St, Boscobel, WI 53805.