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

Joan Carol Buss (Johnson)

September 02, 1935 - March 26, 2026

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