Joan Carol Buss (Johnson)

Joan Carol Buss (Johnson)

September 02, 1935 - March 26, 2026

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Obituary

STOUGHTON - Joan Carol Buss (Johnson) passed away March 26, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. Joan was born on September 2, 1935, to Theodore and Gladys (Heinz) Johnson.


Joan moved to Madison after her graduation from Elroy High School. She attended Beautician School in Madison. While working part-time at a movie theater on State Street in 1954, she met the love of her life, Wayne J. Buss. They were married July 16, 1955.


Joan enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved working in her yard, finding those special treasurers at garage sales, reading novels, doing crossword puzzles, sewing, making keepsakes for her grandchildren, and decorating her house and yard for the changing seasons and holidays. Joan enjoyed spending hours, days playing cards with family and friends.


Joan owned and operated Sunrise Day Care Center out of her home for over 20 years. The children thought of Joan as a second mother. She insisted they call her "Joanie." She also insisted her grandchildren call her Joanie. She was never fond of the word Grandma.


Joan is survived by her children, Kate Vandenhouten, Kari Roneid (Randy), Kelly Buss and Wayne (Dewey) Buss; daughter-in-law, Erica (Kittelson) Buss; grandchildren, Elizabeth Allen, Emily Vandenhouten, Matthew Vandenhouten, Ross Roneid, Renee Roneid (John Evans), Jenna Buss and Ryan Buss; great-grandchildren, Jakob Allen, Elissa Allen, Liam Back, Brooks Vandenhouten and Braden Buss; sister, Karen (Johnson) Monskey; special niece, Lori (Dahl) Arias; and several additional nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne Buss; son, William "Bill" Buss; grandson, Michael Vandenhouten; and in-laws, Marvin Buss, Patrica (Young) Buss, Shirley (Buss) Dahl, Donald Dahl and Gerald Monskey.


A celebration of life will be held at AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 59, 803 N. Page St., Stoughton, from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.


Joan's family would like to extend special thanks to Joe Conant, Branden Miller, Alan Larson, Dale Vike and Jeff Berg. Whenever Joan asked these men for assistance/help with a project they were always right there to lend a hand. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590


Events

18
Celebration of Life
Sat Apr 18, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM CDT
American Legion #59 • 803 N Page St, Stoughton, WI 53589
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A(
A Memorial Tree was planted for Joan Carol Buss (Johnson)
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Stoughton
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Janelle
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I will miss your story’s it was an honor to care for your nails the past few years… you were my light every time you came in I couldn’t wait to see what you where wearing RIP my friend 🫶
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Eileen Stickney
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So sorry for your loss. It was so good of Joan to host family reunions for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
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Sue Deneen
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Joanie was the best daycare provider for my two kids, Lisa and Jessica. They loved going to her house. 💕💕💕
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Engle
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Your mother raised an incredible family, and that is a testament of who she was. May the warmth of her love live on in you. Doug and Mona
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Brandy Larson
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Our deepest condolences to Joan's family. We will miss her stopping into the store weekly to say hi. We absolutely loved her head to toe colorful style that matched her personality. She made an impression on all of us here at Stoughton Floral and will be greatly missed.

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