Joan M. Altenberger
September 22, 1931 - June 24, 2017
Obituary
DEFOREST-Joan M. Altenberger, age 85, of DeForest, passed away at home on Saturday, June 24, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was born on Sept. 22, 1931, in Merrill, the daughter of John and Lenabell (Collins) Bartosch. Joan married the love of her life, Harold Altenberger on Dec. 3, 1949. She was a member of St. Olaf Catholic Church. Joan was employed by UW-Madison, working in the Bursar's office. She loved to travel, and adored Hawaii so much that she traveled there seven times. Joan enjoyed playing cards, including 500 and pinochle. She and Harold loved to dance. She was a loving wife and mother and loved spending time with her family. Family gatherings were very important to her. Joan is survived by her husband, Harold; daughter, Leah (Mike) Martin; sons, Harold Altenberger and Greg (Cindy) Altenberger; four grandsons, Jason (Misty) Altenberger, Matthew (Holly) Altenberger, Scott (Michelle) Altenberger and Troy Martin; seven granddaughters, Renee' (Chris) Altenberger-Ebert, Rebecca (Matthew) Brown, Michelle (Luis) Acosta, Erica Martin, Allison Martin, Amy (Robin) Li and Lisa Altenberger; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruth Bartosch; a very special friend, Marge Buchanan; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Altenberger; brothers, Leslie Bartosch and Lawrence (Kay) Bartosch; and sisters, Eleanora (Emil) Hartwig and Mary (Willie) Baumann. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. OLAF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2017, with Father Vincent Brewer presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Olaf Catholic Church and Agrace HospiceCare. A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for making Joan comfortable. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Jun 29, 2017 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Nativity of Our Lord Parish at St. Olaf Catholic Church • 623 Jefferson St, De Forest, WI 53532
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Jun 29, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Nativity of Our Lord Parish at St. Olaf Catholic Church • 623 Jefferson St, De Forest, WI 53532
Photos
No photos of Joan have been shared yet.
Memories
JT
Jan Tetzlaff-Disch
Other •
I was so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. I will always think of her as "Aunt Jo", a title bestowed by the heart rather than through ancestry. Growing up next door to her and her family gives me and my siblings lots of valuable memories. I hope you all can find some comfort and know that people still remember her lovingly and always will.
LC
Laura Childs
Other •
This lady is such a special person. When I would see her, her eyes would light up. Her loving personally is truly one of a kind. She will be missed dearly. Thoughts are with the entire Altenberger family. Love you all.
EM
Eboni Morgan
Other •
The Morgan Family is Sending our Love, Prayers and support to the entire Altenberger Family during this difficult time. Though it is hard for those she has left behind there is comfort in knowing that she has found peace in a better place.
Our family lay to rest our Grandmother the very same day. I like to think they're up there watching over us together. Love to you all
DG
Denise Goetzinger
Other •
My Deepest Condolences to the Altenberger family. Please know our family is keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Denise and Eric Goetzinger
HB
Harvey and Jackie Butterbaugh
Other •
Our sincere condolences to all. We are truly sorry for your loss. Harvey and Jackie
AC
Alyshia Childs
Other •
The Childs family sends you their love & best wishes. We like to think of Grandma hanging out with Tutu talking about Hawaii & watching over us. Love you all very much.