Nancy K. Joda

July 18, 1932 - February 26, 2021

Nancy Kathryn (nee Riggins) Joda, age 88, of Iron Ridge, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on February 26, 2021.A Mass of Christian Burial with family will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville, where she was a member, and burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee. The service will be recorded, available for later viewing on the Koepsell Funeral Home’s website.Nancy was born the daughter of Hubert C. and Hazel-Belle “Dolly” (nee Grunitz) Riggins on July 18, 1932 in Milwaukee. She was a 1949 graduate of Messmer High School, and years later received an associate degree in music from Alverno College. Nancy was united in marriage to Thomas Aquinas Joda on August 27, 1951 at St. Catherine’s in Milwaukee. Her biggest love in the world was her family, and she welcomed and embraced the differences in each of her children, grandchildren, other family members, and all to whom she extended her love. Her many interests included scouting, biking, xc-skiing, game playing, gardening, trees, camping, nature everywhere, traveling to visit family, all things Irish and Scottish, and the welfare of all children.Music played an especially important part in Nancy’s life, a passion shared with her family and many others along the way. She played the piano, violin, cello, trombone, over-the-shoulder tenor horn, baritone, bagpipes, and French horn. Her bands and symphonies included Messmer High School (where she met her husband Tom), Milwaukee Catholic Symphony, First Brigade Band, Wisconsin Honors Band, Milwaukee and District Bagpipe Band, Billy Mitchell Bagpipe Band, and the British Brass Band. She also directed 6 Catholic grade school bands, including the family parish, St. Margaret Mary, and taught private piano lessons. Nancy is survived by: her children – Christine (Stephen) Kosowski of Minneapolis, MN, Jennifer (Mark) Novara of Middlebury, IN, Kathleen (Thomas) Perry of Greenfield, Timothy (Kathleen Willmering) Joda of Wauwatosa, Patrick (Jaclyn) Joda of Draper, UT, Daniel (Sarah) Joda of Nashotah, Peter Joda of Pewaukee, Caroline (James) Alvarado of Lumberton, TX, Stephen (Ann) Joda of Brookfield, and Kevin (Jennifer) Joda of New Berlin; her grandchildren – Joseph (Tamara Gonzalez) Kosowski, Michael Kosowski, John (Sarah Claassen) Kosowski, Laura Kosowski, Timothy (Gilbert Manzano) Novara, Robert (Robin) King Novara, Rachelle (Maxwell) Witine, Patrick (Allison) Novara, Sarah (Chad) Campeau, Stephanie (Matt) Yoder, Scott (Caitlin) Perry, Maxwell (Amanda) Joda, Samuel (Jill) Joda, Andrew Joda, Melissa (Simon) Moody, David (Sarah) Joda, Matthew Joda, Amanda (Kevin) Avery, Benjamin Alvarado, Ciara Alvarado, Konrad Joda, Ian Joda, Adam Joda, and Erin Joda; her 17 great grandchildren – Dylan, Charlotte, Aden, Levi, Gabriel, Isak, Lucas, Miles, Callum, Thomas, Lillian, Sullivan, Henry, Archer, Theodore, Emerson, and Madelyn; her sister, Lynda Caudell of Monroe; brother-in-law, Robert Joda, S. J. of Wauwatosa; sister-in-law, Patricia (the late John) Linnemanstons of Adell. She is further survived by other relatives and many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thomas, grandson Thomas Jonathan Novara, granddaughter Heather Rose Graham, and brother-in-law John Linnemanstons.Memorials to: Hunger Task Force – https://www.hungertaskforce.org/donate/Nancy’s funeral service can be viewed here : https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/HYTWHJ7K6M2TKLJS

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Dear Joda Family--Your mom was simply the most wonderful person in the world, but you already know that! I was so glad to hear you all were so present to her these last 8 months and what a send-off! What a beautiful crossing over to heaven. May her precious love continue to surround you and be your comfort and inspiration for all the days ahead. Blessings--Mary Testin

Dear Cousins, My deepest sympathies. Aunt Nancy's Funeral Mass was a lovely tribute and a testament of her love of God, family, children, music, and nature. Her warmth and kindness will be missed, but it will continue on in the lives of her family and all those she touched. Sending you all a gentle hug.

Jeanne Linnemanstons, family, Thiensville, WI

What a grand lady and beautiful soul . How lucky for us to have met her now and then at Cabrini, to have been around her and her warm, welcoming spirit. Now I hear of all the instruments she played, all the precious music she brought into the world, the children she nurtured, both her own ( We at Cabrini get to have Chris All the time, yay!) and her students in bands and choruses. Her memory lives on in the lives of many and in all the good, the beauty she brought forth into the world. Fly on, Nancy, through the universe, the heavens, back to the Garden where you'll live with all Creation, find your place and never roam. Love, Larry, St Frances Cabrini Community, Mpls, MN.

An amazing lady with a lovely smile, so welcoming, which we were lucky to experience first hand on our visits to our son Simon, his wife Melissa and adorable Grandsons Callum and Archer. Nancy achieved so much in her long life, an added interest was how the game of cricket was played! which she enjoyed discussing with us. Short but happy memories of our time spent in her company. Mike and Maureen Moody

To Tim and the rest of the family. Sounds like your grandmother was an amazing person. I'm glad I was able to meet her. So sorry to hear of her passing. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Thinking of all the Joda's during this difficult time! Loved seeing the pictures of Mrs. Joda! She was an amazing person and so strong for such a little person! I remember listening to her play her bagpipes on 81st street! May God be with you all during this difficult time!

I have only met her when she would come to visit her daughter's church (Chris) in Minneapolis. I can clearly see where Chris received her musical talents from. More importantly Nancy clearly was a nice non-judgmental person that the world needs more of. May the peace of the Lord be with the entire family at this time.

Dear Chris, When i picture your mom I see her sitting next to you at Cabrini with that lovely smile, a match to yours. To you and all of your family and relatives : "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us" Helen Keller

Thank you for sharing all the wonderful pictures! Your mother was a gift to the world. It is clear she enjoyed every minute of this life. She will be deeply missed.
Chris, your Cabrini family is sending so much love, and I am too.

Our love and prayers are with all the family as you mourn this amazing woman. Rosemary and Mike Dosch

Dear Family, Thank you for sharing Nancy's life with us through the beautiful video. Such a gift to the world she was. And she left her legacy in untold ways, not least of all music. Our hearts go out to you in a mixture of thanksgiving and condolence for having been blessed with such a person in your lives and now losing her physical presence. Millie Dosh (from Chris's faith community at Cabrini, Mpls.)

Your mom was amazing! An accomplished musician and wonderful mother. Chris, you look so much like her, what a beautiful lady.
David and I send our love to all her children, grandchildren , great grandkids and friends who loved her. We wish you warm memories and much comfort and healing as you celebrate her life.

Great Music DNA!!! Chris-you look so much like her! Our love and support. Glad you were able to be together. And that we came to know her though Cabrini. Steve and Rosie

We wish we could be there tomorrow. You have a wonderful supportive family plus a Cabrini community that will be embracing you from afar.
Wishing you all peace and comfort as you celebrate your Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, friend, musician, athlete, a woman that wore many hats. Blessings!

What a wonderful lady! Nancy always had a smile and kind word for everyone. She welcomed me into the Riggins family with open arms. Our family was so blessed to know and love her. God needed another angel and we will all miss her!

I met Nancy when I worked with Tom at the grocery store. Two of the nicest, non-judgemental people I know. Nancy was happy all the time and had kind words to say. Sorry to hear of her passing, but her duties here on earth are done. Rest easy, dear lady.

My love and prayers go out to her beautiful family...lucky children to have her in their lives!

Rest in Peace Nancy, so many good memories of the bagpipe world with you and son Kevin. My deepest sympathy to the all her family.

Matriarch of a wonderful family. Condolences

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.