Krikelas, former International Studies staff member, passes away

Joan E. Krikelas, who worked in International Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for 17 years, died on November 29, 2013, at UW Hospital after a brief illness. She was 79.

Krikelas worked in what then was called the Office of International Studies and Programs, first as foreign visitor coordinator and later as fellowships advisor. She retired in 1995.

“I want to recognize Joan’s dedication and service on behalf of International Studies and offer my condolences to her family,” says Guido Podesta, Interim Vice Provost and Dean of the Division of International Studies.

Krikelas’ interests included travel, particularly international travel, during and after her working years.

She often said that she got double pleasure from her journeys – first while researching and planning her itinerary and then the trip itself. She especially loved her trip to China (partly interrupted by the Tiananmen Square events while in Beijing) and Japan. She had a special fondness for such cities as Florence, Venice, Prague, Amsterdam and Oslo, but her greatest pleasure came from three trips to Paris.

Family and friends will gather to remember and celebrate her life on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Garden, with a short program to begin at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any contributions be made to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison Opera, the UW­–Madison Division of International Studies, or to a charity of personal choice. Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com.

For her complete obituary, go here: http://www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituary/120713/Joan-Krikelas/