Joan S. Lorenz

Joan Leora Schachtschneider Lorenz, age 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away in her home at Newcastle Place in Mequon surrounded by loved ones on November 20, 2025.

She was born on April 16, 1934, the daughter of Erla (Belitz) and Herb Schachtschneider in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Washington High School in 1952 and then attended George Washington College in Washington D.C. From there she came home and enrolled in Prospect Hall Secretarial School. She later went to work for a law firm until she married Gerry Lorenz in 1956 and stayed home to raise their four children. Joan's husband, Gerry, was a tool and die maker at A.O. Smith. He passed away in 1991 at an early age of 58.

While living in the Brown Deer area, Joan was President of the Brown Deer Women's Club for three years and organized the Blood Donors Drive during that time. Later in years, Joan moved to a condo in Thiensville, was the President of their Homeowners association. She worked as an administrative assistant for an executive search firm until she retired. She then moved to Newcastle Place in Mequon in 2012.

Joan found great joy in crafting, particularly in stitching and knitting. She dedicated much of her time to knitting baby caps and blankets, which she generously donated to a local hospital. Joan also created personalized Christmas stockings for her children and grandchildren, a tradition that brought warmth and delight to her family during the holidays.

Joan cherished spending time with her family, including treating her children and grandchildren to a memorable visit to Disney World. Some of her fondest moments were spent "up north Wisconsin," where she enjoyed the gathering around the campfire and being the 'official' for the family lake games, creating lasting memories for everyone.

Joan is survived by her four children David Lorenz, Eric (Lori) Lorenz, Robert (Denise) Lorenz, and Linda (Mike DiStefano) Lorenz; her 12 grandchildren, Mallory Lorenz, Jessiann Coldwell, Scott (Karen) Lorenz, Gary (Kate) Lorenz, Susan (Jonah) Lorenz, Melanie (Adam) Russell, Randy (Jenna) Lorenz, Dylan Vaughn, Bryce Bierman, Brielle Bierman, Brynnae Bierman and Breigh Bierman; her 15 great-grandchildren, Paisley, Rose, Corbin, Owen, Knox, Stella, Sienna, Audrey, Elliott, Kallen, Charlotte, Oliver, Charlie, Archie and Julian; her brother, Jim (Nancy) Schachtschneider, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother, Jerry Schachtschneider.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM in the Chapel at Newcastle Place, 12600 North Port Washington Road, Mequon, Wisconsin with Pastor Bill Knapp officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:30 AM with a luncheon to follow the service at 12:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and pay their respects.

Memorials can be made in Joan's honor to Newcastle Place Foundation (memo: Memory Care), 12600 N. Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI 53092.

Private interment will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park at a future time.