Joan I. Houska

Joan Inez (Melendes) Houska, age 86 of Oconto Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2024 with family by her side. Joan was born on August 25, 1937 to the late Alex and Jinx (Palmer) Melendes. She married Kenneth Houska at Hickory United Methodist Church on June 24, 1972. She worked for Liquid Carbonic, Rosner Insurance, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. After retirement, Joan enjoyed the homemakers club, book club, bible study, reading, computer games, and spending time with her grandchildren. Joan had a heart of gold. She would always send cards to anyone she knew was sick, whether she knew them or not, as her way to "pay it forward." Joan is a member of Hickory United Methodist Church.
Joan is survived by her 6 children, Robert (Brenda) Bishop, Susan (Mike) Trevor, Patti (Tad) Cook, Cheryl (Scott) Binkowski, Christine (Greg) St. Louis and Jolene (Jeff) Smaney; 2 sisters, Karen Kadlec and Nancy (Don) Jackson; 1 brother, Bill (Ellen) Melendes; 17 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; daughter, Lynn Umentum; 2 brothers-in-law, Dale Rabas and Cal Kadlec.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Hickory United Methodist Church from 9 am until the funeral service at 11 am with Pastor Dominic Petit officiating. Joan will be interred in Pine Hill Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank the staff of Unity Hospice for the care and compassion offered to Joan and her family during their time of need.