MADISON - Joan Louise Hemberger, age 95, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. She was born on February 22, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Robert and Edna (Harnstrom) Widholm.

Joan graduated from Madison East High School in 1946. She married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Hemberger, in 1950. They started dating when she was a senior and he was a junior. They were blessed with three children, Janet, Barbara and David, and she “retired” when her first child was born. Joan loved her family, and they were the center of her life. As her children grew older and started school, she returned to working outside the home for the IRS for 27 years.

Joan was very happy to spend her retirement years in Madison. She loved living on the east side. In her free time, she enjoyed golfing and was active on a golf league well into her 80s. She loved cheering on Wisconsin sports and the Packers, no matter where she lived over the years.

Joan is survived by her children, David Hemberger, Janet (John) Caron, and Barbara (Jeff) Foster; grandchildren, Mary (Peter), Danny and Ben; and great-grandchildren, Ellie and Lynnea. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents, Robert and Edna; and beloved brother, Robert Widholm.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Joan Hemberger

February 22, 1929 - October 15, 2024

Share photos of Joan