Joan J. Mader

Joan J. Mader, 97, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, under the care of the Athenian Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice. She was born June 23, 1929, in Athens, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Joseph and Gladys (Dygart) Brickheimer. She married Stephen Mader on August 6, 1949, in Athens.

Joan worked in her family-owned cheese factory, as her bothers went off to war. She worked as a cook at St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School for many years. Joan loved baking banana bread, which she gave away many loaves over the years as gifts, as well as making frosted cut-out cookies for all of the holidays. She loved to embroider dish towels and was a great hostess to her many family and friends. Joan would have many get together with family and friends with sweets and the coffee pot was always on.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbara (Dan) Reid of Schofield; son, Gary (Darcy) Mader of Schofield; daughter-in-law, Nancy Mader of Marathon; grandkids, Patrick (Carmen) Gumz of Schofield, Chad (Lindsay) Gumz of Schofield, Tyler (Rachael) Mader of River Falls, Seth (Jade) Mader of Woodbury, Minnesota, Carrie (Nathaniel) Klitzberg of Florida, and Justin (Hollie) Mader of Marathon; and great-grandkids, Devin, Katelyn, Bryce, Hallie, Madelline, Emelia, Willow, Ella, Kiley, Olivia, Brynne, Garrot, Bo, Connor, and Cole.

In addition to her parents and husband, Stephen; she was preceded in death by her oldest son, Thomas; brothers, Robert, Harry (Orella), and Donald (Barbara) Brickheimer; sisters, Beatrice (Bernard) Lesczynski, Margaret (Reuben) Revling, Mabel (Clarence) Schreindl, Dolores (Edward) Placek, Arlene (Art) Horrigan, Helen (Silver) Schillinger, and Gerladine (Howard) Eder; and special friend, Lloyd Bunkelman.

Joan was also preceded in death by Steve’s family of seven brothers and 10 sisters; and brothers and sisters-in-law. Surviving is sister-in-law, Ethel Mader.

The funeral Mass will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, with Rev. George Graham presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at the Athenian Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for all of their friendship and special care.