Joanne Wenner

January 18, 1937 - July 25, 2021

Joanne Wenner went to Heaven on July 25, 2021. Joanne was born on January 18, 1937, in Green Bay, and graduated from West High School in 1955. On February 8, 1958, she embarked on a lively marriage with her longtime sweetheart Donald Wenner. They had two children, Sandra and Greg. Although she treasured quiet time with a good book and a clean house, Joanne’s life often took her down other paths. Whether that meant waking up alone on a tiny island in the middle of an isolated lake while Don fished, accidentally ending up in Siegfried and Roy’s after-show party in their Las Vegas penthouse, or learning to love each of the many pets that invaded her house over the years, Joanne took it all in stride and always ended up with a lively story. Joanne was among the first group of teacher aides trained and hired in the Green Bay Public School system in the late Sixties. She began her long and colorful career at Lincoln School, moving on later to Howe, Tank, Kennedy, and King elementary schools. She loved each school, but Lincoln held a special place in her heart. She treasured her colleagues and every student with whom she came in contact. Her adventures as teacher aide, PTA President, Bingo caller, Mrs. Santa, and Bruce the Spruce are the stuff of legend. Joanne was happiest when she could spend time with her beloved grandchildren, McKayla and Jadyn Wenner. Beginning early in their preschool years, she passed along her love of books, passion for learning, and never-failing sense of gratitude. Her family attributes much of her grandchildren’s success to Joanne’s love and support. She never missed a birthday, first day of school, concert, or anything else to celebrate. Besides her family and many friends, Joanne loved books, chocolate, scrapbooking, the telephone, spending time at the family cabin at Pelican Lake, and get-togethers of all sorts. She was always doing something special for someone and kept Hallmark cards in business for many years. Mom could tell a story better than anyone else and was always the hit of the party. During her last few years at her beloved home on Cleveland Street, Mom was blessed with wonderful caretakers who took care of both her and Don. We are especially grateful to her dear niece Julie Wenner Kohl and Julie’s husband John Kohl, and Georgia Anderson for all the wonderful and selfless things they went out of their way to do for Mom and Dad. Joanne is survived by her husband Donald Wenner, children Sandra Wenner and Greg (Mary) Wenner, grandchildren McKayla and Jadyn Wenner, and many relatives and friends. Her parents, George and Elaine Radey, and many family members and dear friends preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Sts. Edward and Isadore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Road, Flintville, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00 until 11:00 am, with a memorial mass to follow at 11:00. Lunch will be served afterward. In Joanne’s memory, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice. To live stream the service please follow the following link https://www.facebook.com/Ss-Edward-Isidore-Church-562136803967841 The family wishes to thank the staffs of Grancare Nursing Center, Wyndemere Assisted Living, and Heartland Hospice for their care and kindness.