Anderson, JoAnn Brennan
JoAnn Brennan Anderson died unexpectedly on Thursday April 11, 2013 after a long illness. She was born June 29, 1950 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Eugene "Big Jim" Brennan and Isabel Kasbaum Brennan. JoAnn attended St.Mary's Elementary School in Clark's Mills and graduated from Valders High School in 1968. After high school she earned a marketing degree from Lakeshore Technical College before pursuing a career in the profession she had dreamed of from the time she was a young girl. She earned a teaching degree and teaching certification from Manitowoc County Teachers College. After graduation JoAnn worked for one year as a special education teacher's aide in the New Holstein Public Schools. For several years she taught multi-grade classes at the same Clark's Mills school that she had attended as a child. During this time she also worked at many part time jobs, completed her Bachelor's degree at Silver Lake College, started a small retail business, and added additional graduate credits and teaching certifications from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. She also met and married her husband and best friend for over 40 years. She earned degrees and certifications in elementary education, primary education, Reading teacher, and minors in arts and humanities. In 1986 she was hired again by the New Holstein Public Schools after a series of both short term and long term substitute teaching positions in Manitowoc, Kiel, Chilton, Valders, and New Holstein, as well as teaching medical homebound and at risk students. A list of organizations and committees that JoAnn was the leader of, member of, or simply showed up for as an anonymous volunteer would fill a page. The theme, however, was always the same. JoAnn looked for ways to help others have a better life. Whether it was in the schools or the community, with her friends, or with her family, wherever JoAnn went joy and enthusiasm followed. During her career she served as a mentor, leader, and role model to many other teachers. She was a student and parent favorite who won awards that included a Kohl Fellowship Award and multiple nominations to Who's Who Among American Educators. She was contacted by many former students long after they became adults and had careers and families of their own. It was her favorite award of all.
JoAnn enjoyed building, decorating, gardening, landscaping, photography, travel, and, most of all, family, friends, and people. She had an ability to walk up to strangers in all of the 50 states and several foreign countries she had visited and would have them talking about their life stories and families within minutes of having met her. Caring for the environment and caring for her students were at the top of her priority list.
In 1974 JoAnn married David Anderson who survives her along with their son Dustin Anderson and his wife Shelby Eckerman and granddaughters Eloise and Signe, son Garret Anderson and partner Rayna Pitz, daughter HaLeigh Jo Anderson and her fiancé Seth Zipperer. Additional survivors include sisters Eileen Mleziva (Harvey), Bonita Brennan, Sue Rudin, Carol Gauger (Will), Laurie Wegforth (Tom), Maureen Lehman (Dennis), and brother William Brennan. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children are also survivors. Special friends Marion and Joel Marquardt also survive. JoAnn's family would like to thank all of the professional and personal friends who have had the privilege of knowing her and have, in turn, added so much joy and meaning to our lives and hers.
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So sorry to hear of your loss. My memories of Joanne were of a very kind & caring person. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Carrie Struck
April 24, 2013
We are so saddened to hear of JoAnn's passing. She was such a wonderful and giving person and we treasure the times we visited with her and Dave when we came to Wisconsin. She will be missed.
Carl & Vickie Struck
April 22, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. The McCulley's and Brennan's played together a lot as kids. Our sympathy to both families.
Peggy & Allan Otto
April 20, 2013
I had Joann as my 7th grade teacher when I was at Clarks Mills, she was a very special lady to many students over the years. To the Brennan and Anderson families, I am so sorry for your loss! You have my sympathy...
Jody Linsmeier Erdman
April 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. JoAnn is gone but never will be forgotton.
Lynn Wolfram
April 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.JoAnn will be missed but never forgotten
Lynn Wolfram
April 20, 2013
May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. She was a fantastic teacher--one of my absolute favorites. I credit her with turning my young life around and guiding me toward a promising future. For that and many wonderful lessons delivered as lovingly as a mother, I cannot thank her enough.
Brent Buechel
April 20, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Both of my children had her for a teacher & she was wonderful. I am also a friend of her sister Laurie.
Sandy Blatz
April 20, 2013
Dusty my thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family!!!
Becky Grimm (Zutz)
April 19, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to Joann's family and friends. Keep the memories close to your heart!
Judy Woelfel
April 19, 2013
Hugs to the Andersons and Brennans and love to you all. Auntie Jo will be missed by so many and we remember her fondly!
Lisa and Tom Cook
April 18, 2013
We extend our deepest sympathy to you. Our memories of JoAnn will be those of a smiling and caring person. Hoping you can find comfort from all those who surround you.
Mary and Don Thompson
April 18, 2013
Dusty sorry for your lost.
John and Jenny Dietrich
John Dietrich
April 18, 2013
We are praying for the Anderson and Brennan families. I have wonderful memories of "Lil Jo" as she was growing up--spending many overnights at Aunt Gert and Uncle Vic's house. Rest in peace dear cousin.
Kathy LaCroix
April 18, 2013
Linda Radke
April 18, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Anderson family and Prayers for strength during this difficult time.
Carol Worley
April 18, 2013
JoAnn, I'm so sad. Thank you for taking care of my best friend when she needed you so much. I am forever grateful for that. You raised wonderful children who will never stop trying to make you proud. I'm so sorry that your family will have to continue on without your bright, beautiful smile and wonderful, positive energy. You are very much loved and missed.
Brit McCulley
April 18, 2013
My Deepest Sympathy to the Anderson Family I gratuated with JoAnn in Valders and she was always so friendly
Mary Johnson
April 18, 2013
To the Brennan family - I am so sorry for your loss, love each other dearly as you are such a wonderful family.
Jane Conway
April 18, 2013
So sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. My sympathy to her family. She was so much fun to be with when we were young. We had many good times as cousins. She was a wonderful person. Peachy
Jane Panosh
April 18, 2013
She was one of my favorite teachers and I still have very fond memories of my time in her classroom. You have my sympathies.
Cindi G.
April 18, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Anderson and Brennan families. I grew up with the Brennan family and had the honor and privilege of being neighbors to the Anderson. My heart goes out to you all. I admired Joann's joy and enthusiasm for life. I shared walks with her to the woods, river and the old gravel pit looking for "gifts" to share with her students. My love, my support and my sympathies to each of you.
Sandy Egbert
Sandra Egbert
April 18, 2013
To the Anderson and Brennan families you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult and sad time. We have known the Brennan family for many years as we were neighbors and had many good times together. Joann will be greatly missed, she always had a smile on her face. May the Lord watch over all of you. Love from Ken & Judy (Dugan) Schroeder
April 18, 2013
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