Joanne A. Berndt

Joanne A. Berndt, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born in 1938, in Unity, Wisconsin, and was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Verna Weber (Schumacher) of Colby, Wisconsin.  Joanne grew up in Colby, where she helped on the family farm. She later moved to Wausau to work at Wausau Ins.

A devoted Catholic, Joanne was a lifelong parishioner of St. Matthew's church. Throughout her earlier years, she was a member of the Circle of Joy and volunteered in various capacities within the church.

In 1958, she married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Berndt. Together, they started the business of "Bob's Electric" where she managed the office side of the business. In later years, while still helping with the business, she also worked at a fishing and bait store called the Tackle Box. She loved working there as she made many great friends over the years. To all that knew her, knew that fishing was just one of her life's passions other than her family. She often expressed regret that her health prevented her from taking more fishing trips to Canada. When they sold the business, so Bob could retire, Joanne began working for Marathon Cheese until she retired.

Joanne thoroughly loved to travel; the specific destination didn't matter to her, and while it seems the travel bug may have skipped a generation, we are discovering that her grandkids love to travel as well.

Joanne still enjoyed working the land with her gardening and her flowers. Another favorite pastime for her was playing cards and games with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She particularly loved playing Sheepshead and Rummikub.

Joanne and Bob raised a family of eight children that were their pride and joy. She instilled strong values in her children, which they carry with them.

She is survived by her children, Sue (Mike) Klos of Michigan, Sharon Tinjum of Wausau, Laura Berndt of Wausau, Mike Berndt of Rothschild, Paul (Amy) Berndt of Kronenwetter, David Berndt of Wausau, Teresa (Jamie) Rihn of Phillips. Joanne is also survived by her sister Mary Lou (Denny) Steines, of Wausau, and sister-in-laws Carol (Rich) Weber-Massop of Colby, and Carol Weber of Turtle Lake. She has 11 grandchildren: Jojo Tinjum, Ashley (John) Hoffman, Ben Klos, Kyle Tinjum, Stacey (Tony) Berndt-Ort, Christine Berndt, Alex Klos, Max Klos, Zac (Toni) Rihn, Isaac Berndt, Karl Rihn as well as four great-grandchildren Curtiss Tinjum, Brianna Hoffman, Blake Hoffman and Luca Hoffman.

Besides her parents Lawrence and Verna, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Berndt, her brothers Jerry and Jim, her son Joseph, son-in-law Donald Tinjum, daughter-in-law Pam Berndt, and many other beloved family members.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church located at 229 S 28th Ave, Wausau, WI 54401.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. in the atrium of the church until the time of service.  Rev. Sebastian Kolodziejczyk will preside over the Mass.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com