Caledonia Argus

Posted: 3/19/02

Joanne Brague

Joanne C. ìJosieî Brague, 61, of Onalaska died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident Friday, March 15, 2002.

She was born in Caledonia, Minn., on April 6, 1940, to Lawrence and Leocadia (Becker) Karels. She married Jerome ìJerryî Brague on July 13, 1963, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse.

Josie was a 1961 graduate of the St. Francis School of Nursing and worked at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center as a registered nurse for over 35 years. She later furthered her education at Viterbo College with a bachelor of science in nursing degree in 1989.

Josie was a certified diabetes educator and was a pioneer in diabetes education, both locally and throughout the country. At the time of her death, she as the director of diabetes education for for the Franciscan Skemp/ Mayo Health System. Nationally, Josie was one of only four individuals who was allowed to approve and certify diabetes education programs in hospitals. She was also part of a contingent of physicians and nurses who traveled to Russia to share their medical expertise, and was instrumental in establishing the first diabetes education program in Russia. Throughout her career, Josie received numerous awards, including the Wisconsin Nurse of the Year.

Josie was a very spiritual person who had a keen appreciation for the beauty in nature. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and always make time for others. She was a special jewel who will be treasured forever by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry, ad their three children, Suzanne Bochanowicz of Scottsdale, Ariz., Dan (Michelle) Brague of Vancouver, Wash., and Steve Brague of San Francisco; two grandchildren; her mother-in-law, Kathleen Brague of LaCrosse; her sisters and brothers, Muriel (Dick) Loomis of Caledonia, Don (Joanne) Karels of Caledonia, Leland (Ruby) Karels of Blaine, Minn., Willie (Suzy) Karels of Blaine, Virginia (Paul) McCauley of Cottage Grove, Minn., Jerry Karels of Blaine, George Karels of Onalaska, Kathy (Al) Copeland of Rockton, Ill., Terry Karels of Arlington, Va., Mary (Roger) Staude of Fort Atkinson, Wis., Nathalie (Tom) Weibel of La Crescent, Julie (Larry) Burroughs of La Crescent; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Vernon Karels.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrickís Catholic Church. The Rev. William Matzek will officiate. Burial will take place in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends called at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m., where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.

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