Loretta (Lucey) "Joanne" Bedward

Loretta “Joanne” Bedward, age 87 of Prairie du Chien, WI, formerly of Darlington, WI, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at home surrounded by family. She was born in Gays Mills, WI on May 30, 1938, to Marion and Loretta (Crowley) Lucey. She graduated from Prairie du Chien High School with the class of 1956. She married Lloyd Bedward on November 4, 1961, at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien. Together, they raised 8 sons and worked on their family farm in Darlington. While living in Darlington, Joanne worked at A&M Bakery before helping at a local day care. She later worked at Casey’s General Store as well as in home health care until retirement. Joanne led confirmation classes at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington for several years. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lloyd; 7 sons Brian, Dennis (Pam), Danny (Annette), Kevin (Cindy Koch), Randy (Linda), Tom (Kyra), and Jeff (Sandy) Bedward; 1 sister Karen Nelson; Joanne was lovingly known as Jo Jo by her 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Bruce Bedward; sisters Sharon Vance and Anna Marie Stoehr, and brother Bob Lucey; and grandson Eric Bedward.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fr. William Vernon officiating, with burial in the church cemetery, both in Darlington, WI. Friends may call at the Garrity Funeral Home on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and also at the church on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass.

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