Joann Jesse

Joann Jesse of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at North Central Health Care at the age of 91. Joann was born on September 6, 1931, in the Rogers Park, Illinois, a community just north of the heart of Chicago, to parents Joseph and Wanda “Ida” Vesely. After graduating from high school, the family moved to Mosinee, Wisconsin and eventually settled in Wausau, Wisconsin. There, their family opened a small local grocery store on east hill.  It was there that she met her husband Eric Jesse, predeceased in death three years ago to the month. They were married in 1950 and were blessed to celebrate 70 years of love and devotion to each other.

While Eric was the quiet one of the two of them, JoAnn loved people. She developed relationships with people through her work, her community, and her church. She always said she found people interesting.

She had a strong and tireless work ethic. This was clearly demonstrated by her ability to care for their six boys during the day, and then head to her evening job after Eric returned home from his day job to help support the family. Along with her devotion and passion to her family, she also felt a commitment to serve her community and her church. Her participation in too numerous to mention church organizations is highlighted by her lifelong dedication to the Franciscan Order. She also served on the PTA, participated in Cub Scouts and was a Den Mother for many years.

JoAnn loved the outdoors and animals. One of her favorite things to do was to spend time in the Northwoods or camping as a family. She especially enjoyed their time together around a campfire. She and Eric continued to spend time in nature even after their children were grown.  They also spent many winters in Florida with three of their six sons and their families. JoAnn loved being in the sun and spending time near or on the water.

While Eric was not a huge fan of international travel or dogs, he supported JoAnn’s love of both. JoAnn always wanted the opportunity to travel to Italy and Israel from a religious perspective. She got the opportunity to do so satisfying a lifelong dream. She eventually became the mom of two beloved dogs at different times in her life, Tiamo and Patty. They were her steadfast companions once the house was void of children, providing great joy and comfort to her and Eric who grew to love them as well.

Later in life you could find her and Eric spending time together at church, dining out, volunteering with organizations such as the Salvation Army, or mall walking. They were known for always holding each other’s hands as they walked. We imagine that since they have been reunited, they are now walking together in heaven as they hold hands.

Joann is survived by sons Randy (Teresa), Jeff (Luke), Tim (Cary), Jon (Louise) and Joe (Marcia), nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by son Greg (Carol) in 2016 and her husband Eric in 2020.

The Jesse family wishes to thank the amazing caregivers at North Central Health Care and Aspirus Hospice for their care and compassion to both Eric and Joann. Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Restlawn Memorial Park (Section 9) beginning at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joann’s name can be made to North Central Health Care www.norcen.org/your-support or Aspirus Health Foundation, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services Funds, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401 www.aspirus.org/aspirus-health-foundation.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.