Today the world is a somewhat colder, less friendly place with the passing of Joan, a truly extraordinary person, with an almost magical gift for making those she came in contact with feel special. Generally when someone passes, it is customary to refer to them in the past tense using the word "was". With Joan, it somehow seems improper to affix this word in sharing the epitome of her. Rather, the best traits that Joan embodied will continue to exist, passed along to continuing generations of her family, so that while she is physically no longer with us, she continues to live among us in so many good ways.

Joan Martin was born on May 1, 1928. She graduated from Edgewood High School in Madison. While working as a receptionist at the UW Hospital, Joan met a dashing intern, Gibbs Zauft. The meeting of these two hearts and minds led to a 63 year commitment to each other following their marriage in 1947, until his death on November 29, 2010. The Zaufts settled in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, where Gibbs opened his practice and was an integral force in the establishment of the Prairie Clinic, as well as the building of Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital. Both of these entities are recognized for the excellent healthcare which they continue to provide, a testament to the importance envisioned and supported by the Zaufts throughout their lives and a gift to the past and future residents of the Sauk Prairie area which can never be surpassed.

Joan and Gibbs were blessed by two sons and two daughters. Steve (Donna) reside in Texas. Their daughters, Barbara (Tim) Fabozzi and Terri Zauft reside on the East Coast. Their son, Gary, was tragically taken from them in 1975. Steve, Barbara and Terri, along with three grandchildren, James, Ashley and Courtney, embellish and pass along the goodness, strong values and virtues woven into the fabric of the family by their parents.

To all that knew her, Joan cast a small physical presence, surmounted by a huge zest for a number of passions. In short, Joan lived "large". A wry sense of humor and endearing smile were indicative of a fun-loving personality. Joan enjoyed many passions; a love of swimming, bowling, playing cards (especially UNO with her grandchildren), dogs (which were always welcome to stop by and visit her), knitting (for which many people were the benefactors of fashionable sweaters and afghans created with love by Joan) and a love of malted milk balls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Joan's zest for solving jigsaw puzzle challenges is legendary and many of the more formidable puzzles that she completed found themselves framed and gifted to family members and friends. She also cherished her many visits with close friend Ruth Dresser, who was her neighbor next door to her longtime home on Water Street in Prairie du Sac.

Joan's competitiveness showed through, not just in the activities she enjoyed but also in her love and support of Wisconsin sports teams. It could not be said that Joan wore her love of the Brewers, Bucks, Badgers and Packers on her sleeve as a casual fan. Rather, Joan remained optimistic for the fortunes of each of these teams, and although her beloved Brewers have struggled in recent years, those struggles never kept her from watching each game and cheering them on. The attribute that really set Joan apart from most other fans is her eternal optimism. Even when the Brewers and Bucks were playing poorly and mired in dismal seasons, Joan anxiously awaited the next game and beyond that the next year with great hope and anticipation of success for her beloved teams.

Also indicative of Joan was the fact that rather than complain about things, she always found the good in situations, any situations. Through the family member losses and the wearing down of her body, Joan remained a positive influence on all of those she came in daily contact with. The residents and staff of Maplewood Village, her home since 2000, enjoyed spending time with her because her endearing nature and sense of humor that turned many a frown into a smile.

Joan's many passions all were integral in describing her personality but the most important and lasting testament remains the sheer pride and joy she took in her sons, daughters and grandchildren. Although the family was scattered geographically, Joan relished in the mail, phone calls, photographs and visits. Her enjoyment of her family was something she simply could not disguise and which provided her with a continuing source of strength.

It is never easy to say goodbye to the people who leave such lasting footprints on our lives and in our hearts. Joan would not want anyone to be sorrowful at this time, rather, she would most likely, in her quiet manner, share a story, a remembrance, a joke, topped off by a sweet smile and a twinkling in her eyes. Perhaps the most appropriate way to summarize the importance that Joan brought to the people fortunate enough to share in her life comes from the words one of her children shared as a fondest memory, when she stated "she did everything for us". That is probably the best description of the truly remarkable essence of Joan to everyone.

Joan's family would like to thank Karen and the entire staff of Maplewood Village, Maplewood of Sauk Prairie and Dr. Maribeth Baker for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be made in Joan's name to Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation.