Hying, Joanna Fecht

Joanna Fecht Hying, age 97, of Mineral Point, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

She was born on March 18, 1927, in Highland, Wisconsin, the youngest of six children born to Harry and Katherine (Munz) Fecht. At 5 and 14 years old, Joanna lost her father and mother, respectively, and was cared for by her older sister Magdalene. She graduated from Highland High School in 1944, where she was active in band and as a cheerleader. Upon graduating, she began a fulfilling career as a teller and bookkeeper at the Highland State Bank.

It was love at first sight when Joanna met Cletus Hying at a dance in Highland. The two married on August 16, 1949, and started their new life together in Boscobel, eventually making Mineral Point their home for the next 60 years. Joanna devoted herself to raising 7 children, instilling in them an appreciation for music, baking (especially her famous ginger cookies!), and hand-sewn items. Joanna gave back to her community—from making egg salad for the blood bank to volunteering at the Hodan and Mineral Point Care Centers.

She was a member of St. Mary’s & St. Paul’s Catholic church for many years. Although her contributions to religious education, assisting with funeral lunches, and supporting pasty sales were deeply appreciated, Joanna will most fondly be remembered for her 42 years of dedication as the church organist. Her greatest love besides Cletus, church, and family was travel. She would go where the car (or plane or train!) would go, enjoying trips throughout Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and across the U.S.

Joanna is survived by 7 children: David Hying, York, NE; Mark (Cathy) Hying, Minneapolis, MN, Paul (Diana) Hying, Green Bay, WI; Harry (Laurie) Hying, Dodgeville, WI; Anne (Endre) Bakken, Colorado Springs, CO; Mary (Paul) Killian, Green Bay, WI; Ruth (Craig) Douthitt, Green Bay, WI. She was adored by 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and niece Sarah Williams Dittmer.

She is preceded in death by her husband Cletus Hying, her parents, sisters Magdalene Williams, Sr. Marina (Rita) Fecht, Coletta Doescher, brothers Arthur and Fred Fecht, daughter-in-law Karen Hying, granddaughter Caitlyn Hauser, and other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point, concelebrating are Bishop Donald J. Hying, Father Tafadzwa Kushamba, Father Michael Tarigopula and Father Michael E. Moon. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m.  on Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of your choice appreciated.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com