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

Joan Grosse

August 03, 1942 - January 16, 2024

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