Joyce E. O'Hearn

Joyce E. O’Hearn, 82, of Fond du Lac, died Sunday, June 29, 2014, at home. She was born on August 22, 1931, in Van Dyne, a daughter to Ervin W. and Erna I. Bearwald Babler. While growing up, she attended a one room schoolhouse, leaving school after eighth grade to work. Joyce owned and operated many businesses with her husband, Tom, which included a tavern/grocery store/dance hall in Van Dyne, a small restaurant in Waupun, and many taverns in Fond du Lac. She could also be seen many summer days in Fond du Lac selling sweet corn, where she greeted many friends. Mom gave so generously of herself. She was the most unselfish person we knew. So many times it was expressed to us what a wonderful woman she was. Her giving was so natural. As natural as snow in December and lilacs in May. And so we took what she gave for granted. At Christmastime, Mom was known for baking and decorating dozens and dozens of cut-out Christmas cookies for us, our families and her friends. Her tastes in life were very simple. She enjoyed her flower gardens, sitting by the window listening to the birds that visited her backyard, and spending evenings cracking trillions of hickory nuts. She was a very loved lady, especially loved by her grandchildren who cherished holidays at Grandma’s. Although she was a devote member of her Lutheran church, she, remarkably, helped raise us all in our Catholic faith. Her heart was soft and sentimental but her spirit was courageous and strong. She was not one for fuss or attention, so, on Sunday afternoon, while resting near her window with the birds singing her their songs, she simply, softly, slipped away. What will we ever do without her? Joyce is survived by her children: Patricia O’Hearn, Bonnie (Terry) Harmer, Dan (Colleen) O’Hearn, Mary Jo (Don) Berndt, and Tommy O’Hearn; grandchildren: Erin (Steve) Langolf, Scott Kahelski, Shannon (Keith) Scanlan, Kevin Harmer, Casey Harmer, Shaun (Carie) O’Hearn, Keegan (Sarah) O’Hearn, Riley (Katie) O’Hearn, and Mitchell O’Hearn Riemersma; great-grandchildren: Sullivan and Mackenzie Langolf, Dylan Scanlan, Jackson O’Hearn, Tyler and Mekhi Porter; and all the other children that blessed her life as she did theirs, Bryce, Hope, Anna, and Sage; a brother, Clifford (Rose) Babler, and a sister, Donna (Rex) Reitz. She is further survived by a sister-in-law and dear friend, Beaty (Ernie) Nelson and brother-in-law, Al Habel, and nieces, nephews, loving neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; children: Dennis, Shannon, Jimmy, Rosie, Janie, and Patrick O’Hearn; and her husband’s sister, Kate Habel. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1600 South Main Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Matthew Guse officiating. The visitation will be on Saturday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Woodhull Cemetery.

Joyce E. O'Hearn

August 22, 1931 - June 29, 2014