JoAnn V. LIchte

LODI-JoAnn V. Lichte of Lodi, Wisconsin passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2017, after celebrating her 94th birthday earlier this month with friends, family and music by Bahama Bob. JoAnn always loved a good party. JoAnn was born in Lodi, Wisconsin on January 14, 1923 in the same house on Main Street where she resided until she moved to Haven Hills (formerly The Ridges) in Lodi in June of 2015. JoAnn's parents were Clarence B. and Mary V. (Mussen) Steele.  Her brother was Frederick B. Steele. JoAnn attended Whitewater State University after graduating from Lodi High School with honors in 1940.  She and Donald G. Reinke were married in 1942 and had three daughters: Lynne, Cheryl and Carla.  In 1957, JoAnn married Robert Lichte.  After Robert passed away in 1988, JoAnn maintained their farm on Reynolds Road until 2006.  JoAnn's longtime companion John Mair of Packwaukee preceded her in death in 2005.  He accompanied her on some of her many travels around the world. JoAnn worked in Madison at Ray O Vac from 1952 until she became head of the travel department at Truax Field. She held this position until 1969 when the United States Air Force closed the Truax Base. JoAnn then worked for the United States Chamber of Commerce where she was the first woman employed by the organization.  She was a leader in national sales for many years.  After retiring from the Chamber, JoAnn worked at the Lodi Enterprise and for AFLAC Insurance. JoAnn was a member of the Lodi Methodist Church, the Lodi Women's Club, Eastern Star, the Wisconsin Friendship Force and was elected to the Lodi City Council.  She volunteered for the Madison Urban League and the former Methodist (now Meritor) Hospital. JoAnn is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Richard) Lettan of Ashburn, Virginia and Carla (Leigh) McCloskey of Malibu, California.  Her daughter Lynne Dushek Marish preceded her in death in 2002.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, David (Shannon) Dushek, Doug (Beth) Dushek, Deanna (Steve) Liegel, A V Lettan, Carlyn (Joseph) Capella, Caytlyn McCloskey, Brighton McCloskey and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at LODI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 Locust St. at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2017. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Lodi United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street (608)592-3201