Joan A. Brunkow

Joan was born in Springfield, Illinois on March 20, 1932. She received a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. On a blind date Joan met her true love, Paul Arthur Brunkow. After graduation Joan was employed as a kindergarten teacher. Joan and Paul moved to California where they had two daughters, Ann in 1965 and Jane in 1967. Joan went back to work as an elementary school teacher in the 90's. Joan was a volunteer at the Armand Bayou Nature Center, was an avid reader and a member of the Clear Lake Forest Garden Club. She and Paul enjoyed traveling to Cloudcroft, New Mexico; Switzerland, Alaska and cruises. Joan was an avid fan of her beloved alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by husband Paul Brunkow, parents John McLaughlin and Cora McLaughlin, brothers Kenneth McLaughlin and Russell McLaughlin. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughters Ann Cook and Jane Wilbanks; her sons-in-law, Jeff Cook and Benny Wilbanks; and her granddaughters Audrey Wilbanks and Emily Wilbanks. A memorial service will be held at Clear Lake United Methodist Church on Thursday July 26 at 11:00. Donations in Joan's name can be given to the Armand Bayou Nature Center.