Joan Grosse

Joan Grosse

August 03, 1942 - January 16, 2024

Obituary

Waunakee - Joan L. Grosse, age 81, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, Jan, 16, 2024. Born on Aug. 3, 1942, in Marshfield, Wis., she was the daughter of Otto D. and Lorraine L. (Hansen) Helmke. Joan and David G. Grosse were united in marriage on Sept. 12, 1964. She dedicated 48 years of her professional life as an advertising coordinator at Research Products in Madison, Wis.


Joan shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews. She volunteered for many years for the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival and was president of the Great Northern Texas Long Horn Association. She loved bowling, travel, and the company of her many beloved animals. Her smile brought sunshine everywhere she went, and she loved to be “out and about” sharing that smile. Joan deeply appreciated her family and friends and was thankful for the smallest acts of kindness.


Joan is survived by her husband of 59 years, David; siblings, Edward (Sheila) Helmke of Cross Plains and Gerry Helmke of Madison; Joel’s fiancée, Karen Zander of Waunakee; along with brothers-in-law, Ronald (Andrea) Grosse and Dennis (Susan) Grosse; and sister-in-law, Mary (Craig) Kraemer. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Joel; sister, Linda Zander; brothers-in-law, Walter Zander and Ralph Reisdorf; sister-in-law, Patricia Grosse; and niece, Kristen Baltes.


A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, with Father Scott Jablonski officiating. Burial will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
 

Special thanks are extended to Joan’s dearest friends, Nancy, Kathy, Elaine and Sandee for their unconditional love and support.


In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joan’s honor may be made to the Initiative to End Alzheimer’s or the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761


Events

25
Visitation
Thu Jan 25, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
25
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Jan 25, 2024 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
25
Luncheon After Service
Thu Jan 25, 2024 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
TT
Teri Thompson
Other •
I happened to see this Obituary of Joan Grosse and she looked familiar. Then I read of her relationship to Edward and Sheila Helmke. I worked with Sheila and Ed for many years at WPS Insurance. I am so sorry for the families loss. RIP Joan Grosse
JL
Jennifer Lubrano
Other •
Joan has been in my life from the very start. Everything I ever had the privilege of doing with her whether it was talking about animals, hanging out at the garage sale, sharing beauty products or most recently, laughing our butts off at my bachelorette party… She has truly been one huge blessing in my life. In one word… Unforgettable 💕.
LK
Larry Kruchten
Other •
Joan loved being out and about. Friday happy hour was a treat when both of you were there. David, I'm sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Larry Kruchten.
MM
Michael D May
Other •
My prayers and condolences to Dave, the Grosse family and the Helmke family. Its always so hard to lose a loved one.But Joan is now at peace and in a better place. Mike May
GN
Gerry Nonn
Other •
Sheep, god bless you and your family on the passing of your beautiful wife Joanie. Every time I saw her she had a huge smile on her face. She was a wonderful lady. I know it was unexpected but I am sure she is in heaven and a better place. I love u man and hang in there. God bless and prayers.
MN
Mary Anne Nonn
Other •
Godfather David, I am so sorry for your loss of your wife Joan. She was always so kind and always had a beautiful smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless. Mary Anne and Gerry Nonn.

Memorial video

Share memorial