Joan Samuelson

Joan Samuelson

June 9, 2025

Joan Marie (Tucci) Samuelson

March 23, 1936 – June 9, 2025

Joan Marie (Tucci) Samuelson passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 23, 1936, to the late Joseph and Mary (Bjork) Tucci, Joan was a lifelong resident of Ashland, Wisconsin, and a cherished member of the community.

Joan was a proud graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1954. She met the love of her life, Harley Samuelson Jr and they married in 1955. Joan held a variety of jobs that brought her into close connection with many in her hometown. Her early career included time at Ashland Creamery, Webben's Pharmacy, Moran Mode women's apparel shop, and Frankie's Pizza. She later found a long-term home at the former Ashland JCPenney store, where she worked for more than 30 years until her retirement in 1998. Through her years of service, Joan became a familiar and friendly face to countless Ashland residents.

Joan was a dedicated member of the Ashland Elk's Club and a proud member of the Ashland Does. She deeply valued the friendships she formed and the sense of community she experienced through her involvement.

Above all, Joan treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her daughters and especially her beloved granddaughters-Jenny, Jessica, and Gina. She loved sharing stories of her childhood, cooking family meals, and traveling when she had the chance. She often spoke fondly of her parents, siblings, and the special bonds they shared.

Joan is survived by her loving daughters, Lynn Samuelson and Carol (Chris) Kempf; her granddaughters Jenny (Alex Mertig) Kempf, Jessica (Ryan) Johnson, and Gina Kempf; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will carry her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harley Samuelson Jr, her parents, Joe and Mary Tucci, and her siblings: Joe Tucci Jr., Lois (Gene) Newman, Donald Tucci, Frank (Ann) Tucci, Audrey (Lee) Erickson, and Jim (Karen) Tucci.

A Celebration of Joan and Harley's Lives will be held on Saturday, June 21st at Roberts Funeral Home in Ashland. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. Their burial will be held in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ashland and a reception will follow back at the funeral home. All are welcome to join in honoring the life of a kind, devoted, and deeply loved woman.

Joan's legacy of warmth, generosity, and strength will live on in all who knew her