Joan Schatzke

Joan Schatzke, 66, Chaffee, ND died on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 surrounded by her loving family at her daughter's home near Casselton, ND.

Joan Elizabeth Pietsch was born on April 30, 1947 to Edwin and Marjorie (Collins) Pietsch in Fargo, ND. She attended school at Everest District 90 and in Casselton. After graduating from Chaffee High School, she attended Jamestown College and graduated from Valley City State College with a teaching degree. On August 17, 1969, Joan was united in marriage to Keith Schatzke at St. Peter Lutheran Church where she was a life time member. She taught school at Chaffee until the school closed in 1994 and then taught at Central Cass in Casselton. She retired after 31 years of teaching and was known to many of her students as "mother superior."

Joan enjoyed spending time at the family lake cabin, gardening and trips to see the ocean.

Family includes husband, Keith; Jason (Tanya) and their children, Leah, Grant and Jace, of Chaffee and Rochelle (Brad) Sinner and their children Brady, Carly and Catherine Joan of Casselton; two brothers, Don (Elvon) Pietsch, Paynesville, MN and Larry Pietsch, Leonard, ND; and sister in-law, Vonnie Pietsch, Dallas, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bill Pietsch and sister-in-law, Betty Pietsch.

Memorials preferred to the church, Casselton food pantry or ambulance service.

Visitation: Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, Casselton, ND.

Funeral: Monday at about 2 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, rural Leonard, ND.

Interment: Watson Cemetery.