Joanne L. Pyan

Joanne L. Pyan, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born on January 31, 1942, in Pittsville to the late Edwin and Edrie (Darrow) Kellerman. Joanne worked for many years as a seamstress at Marathon Upholstery. On September 24, 1976, she was united in marriage to Alvin Pyan in Madison, Wisconsin. They shared 31 years of marriage before his passing in 2008.

Family was very important to Joanne, and she treasured the time she spent with her loved ones. She helped raise her two grandchildren, Monica and Cody. Joanne enjoyed making memories with all her grandchildren, including trips to Rainbow Falls and the Wisconsin Dells. She also cherished the time she spent at her mother’s farm.

Joanne enjoyed gardening, riding her bike, browsing rummage sales, thrift stores, and attending craft sales. She was an avid reader who especially loved thrillers and romance novels. Joanne had an appreciation for jewelry. She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of nature, including feeding the birds and watching the deer.

She is survived by her children; Sharon (Melvin) Kufahl, Michael McDowell, and Kathleen McDowell; stepdaughter, Heidi Scheffler; grandchildren: Duane Gavitt, Cody McDowell, Kyle McDowell, Chelsea Kufahl, Monica Matuszak, and Jesse Scheffler; great grandchildren: Amara McDowell, Jasper Metzel, Sophie Matuszak, and Connor Matuszak; brother, Martin Kellerman; and companion, John Newton.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alvin; parents, Edwin and Edrie Kellerman; son, Anthony McDowell; and siblings: William Kellerman, Mary McGraw, and Martha Wegenke.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Paul Sundbom will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the Funeral Home. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at St. Johns Cemetery in Pittsville, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marathon County Humane Society.  www.catsndogs.org

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