Joan I. Wittenberg

Joan I. Wittenberg, 96 years old, passed away peacefully on January 7th 2025 at Covenant Living, Northbrook. She was born on April 17th, 1928 in Zion, Illinois to John and Gertude (née Emanuelson) Mehaffey.
She had a happy childhood growing up playing along the shores of Lake Michigan. She was nurtured in her love of singing and performing and loved taking part in the annual church Passion Play. Joan graduated high school from the Town Center for Girls in Chicago and studied music at the Chicago Conservatory of Music.
Her career began with singing and performing in and around Chicago. Joan later developed a love for puppetry, was a partner in The Little Top Players and staged puppet shows in Illinois and Wisconsin for family and community.
Joan married Merle Wittenberg in 1952. They raised a family in Evanston, IL and later retired to a home on Rice Lake in Whitewater, WI. They enjoyed hosting family and friends at the lake and were active members of the Whitewater Lions/Lioness Club.
Joan is survived by her children, Sally Johansson (Leif), Roy Wittenberg (Janet), Heidi Pelrine (Patrick Tkach), Lisa Walter (Joe), Kurt Wittenberg (Anne Dooley), her sister Diane Garnsey (Herrick), 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Merle, her sister Bette Rice (Gregory) and brother Edward Mehaffey (Myra).
Joan had an immense capacity for love that will be cherished by many.
A visitation at 11 followed by a memorial service at 12 and a luncheon after will be held on January 25th at Covenant Living 2625 Techny Road, Northbrook.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to P.E.O. International: peointernational.org, Covenant Living of Northbrook-Benevolent Care: covliving.org, or the Wisconsin Lions Club Foundation https://wlf.info/donate/.