Joan Carol Runte

Joan C. Runte, age 86, entered Eternal Life on Friday, March 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on January 28, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Alexander and Marie (née Semon) Reichert.
She was united in marriage to Joseph Runte, on October 17, 1959, at Our Lady of Good Hope in Milwaukee. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. Joan was a member of St. John's/St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish for more than 55 years.
Joan's greatest joy in life was her family. She is lovingly survived by her three children: Joe (Jean) Runte, Dawn (Bob) Schoen, and Ken "Chip" (Donna) Runte. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to six grandchildren: Joey Runte, Amber (Evan) Groth, Bobby (Jess) Schoen, Sarah Schoen (Dion Ashley), Katelyn (Kiegan) Nelson, and Tyler Runte. Her legacy continues through her nine cherished great-grandchildren: Payton Schoen; Nia and Londyn Schoen; Charlotte, Porter, Evelyn, and Georgia Groth; and Rhett and Bennett Nelson.
Joan worked in shipping and receiving at Lee Reloaders for over 15 years before continuing her career at Balax in North Lake, where she later retired. Even while working full-time, Joan took great pride in creating a warm, loving home for her family.
She will be fondly remembered for the simple traditions that brought everyone together. Her homemade chicken dumpling soup was a family favorite, and every Christmas she baked countless batches of cookies to share with those she loved. Dyeing Easter eggs with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a cherished annual tradition.
Joan and Joe shared a love of travel and adventure. Over the years, they made many memorable trips, including visits to Arkansas to see Joe's sister and her family, and to Florida to spend time with Joan's brother. They also drove to Alaska numerous times to visit Joan's sister and her family. One of the family's most treasured memories was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a special trip to Italy with their three children and their spouses. They also enjoyed many winters as snowbirds in Arizona.
Joan especially loved spending time at the family's second home in Wittenberg. The cabin became a gathering place filled with laughter, weekend traditions, and cherished family memories. Thanksgiving at the cabin was a highlight each year, complete with Joan's homemade stuffing and pumpkin pies. In her quieter moments, Joan also enjoyed reading, as well as doing word search puzzles.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe; their infant son, John; her parents; and her siblings. She was the last of nine children raised in a close and loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish - North Lake (W314 N7462 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI). Visitation will take place at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at 4:00 p.m. Committal will follow at St. John Catholic Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Joan will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family, and the many traditions that will continue to live on in the lives of those she loved.