Joan Janice Johnson

Joan Janice Johnson, age 94, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Pine Crest Health and Memory Care in Merrill, surrounded by family.

Joan was born on November 23, 1931, to the late Harvey and Clara Emanuel Sr. in Merrill. She married William Johnson on February 24, 1951, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on May 28, 2001.

Joan attended Merrill Senior High School and worked at The Lincoln County Canning Company in Merrill, then worked at Lincoln Wood Products until her retirement in 1996.

You could often find Joan working on one of her many puzzles or engulfed in a crime novel by one of her favorite authors; as she was an avid reader. Joan also enjoyed watching crime and drama series on TV. She loved to bake cakes, cookies and pies and make homemade candy at Christmas. She enjoyed working in her garden and looked forward to canning season when she made delicious beets, pickles and relish. Joan loved to travel with her family and some of her favorite vacations included trips to Alaska, California, Hawaii and London.

Joan was a dog lover and her dogs held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed the long walks they shared together. She will be reunited with her fur babies that preceded her in death: “Snoopy”, “Sierra” and “Lad”. She also loved her granddog, Rizzo dearly. He never failed to bring a smile to her face, even during her final days.

She was a long-time member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill, as her faith was important to her. She and her youngest daughter enjoyed teaching Sunday School together in her younger years.

Joan was devoted to her family and we will be forever grateful she was our Mom. She will be remembered for her strength, selflessness and unconditional love and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her children: Valerie Johnson of Merrill, Jonathan Johnson of Merrill, Heather (Bradley) Kassens of Oconomowoc, WI and Todd (Angie) Johnson of Merrill, granddaughter: Renee (Donald) Luedtke of Merrill, and great grandsons: Michael and Geoffrie. She is further survived by her granddog: “Rizzo” along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: William, an infant son, 7 siblings: Roger Emanuel, Betty Krueger, Elaine Gano, Mary Ann Riebe, Harvey Emanuel Jr, Gerald Emanuel, James Emanuel.

The funeral service for Joan will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. Rev. Mike Southcombe will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, and again on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Entombment at Merrill Memorial Park will immediately follow the service.

Because she had a love of dogs, family requests that in lieu of flowers, to please direct donations in Joan’s name to the Lincoln County Humane Society.

Family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Pastor Southcombe and Chris Stevenson for their support and care and to Paula, a CNA at Pine Crest Health and Memory Care for her care and kindness that she had shown to Joan and her family, during her last days.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.