Joanne Dorothy Dudzik

Joanne Dorothy Dudzik (nee Bendel), age 90, passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2025, and was called home to the Lord.
Joanne was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spent her early years living with her family in the flat above the Notre Dame Convent powerhouse in Elm Grove, where her father worked. She enjoyed a faith-filled childhood, playing on the convent grounds, baking with the nuns, and spending time with the farm animals in the barns. Joanne attended St. Mary's Grade School in Elm Grove, with a brief relocation to San Diego, CA during her father's Navy service. After completing grade school, she carpooled daily from rural Elm Grove to St. Mary's Academy on the lake in Milwaukee.
Following high school graduation, Joanne worked at the Wisconsin Electric Power Company, when she met Wilford "Bill" Dorn. They married in 1956. Joanne later held office positions at Allis-Chalmers and in the IBM department at Inland Steel, while Bill began his career with the Brookfield Police Department. The couple eventually settled in Brookfield and began the process of adoption through the Child Welfare Department. Their plans were delayed when Bill was seriously injured in a car accident while on duty, but after his recovery, they received wonderful news: not one baby, but twin boys were waiting for them at a foster home. Tragically, one year after welcoming their sons, Bill passed away unexpectedly. After Bill's passing, Joanne faced a long and challenging legal journey to complete the adoption of the twins. With grace, courage, and unwavering determination, she persevered and ultimately finalized the adoption. Sustained by her deep faith, trust in God, and the loving support of family and friends, Joanne found the strength to raise her boys with devotion and love.
A few years later, Joanne met Arnie Dudzik at a Milwaukee Catholic Social League event. They married in 1969, building their forever home in Hales Corners. There, they became active members of St. Mary's Catholic Faith Community, which became the heart of their family life. Joanne devoted much of her time to volunteering and participating in parish and school activities. Joanne and Arnie experienced profound joy and sorrow together. During this period, Joanne became pregnant but sadly lost their baby girl, Julie, who was stillborn. Through her steadfast faith, Joanne found comfort and strength to continue moving forward.
Joanne and Arnie shared a love of adventure and the outdoors. They enjoyed biking, golfing, hiking, and traveling to destinations such as Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, Florida, and Door County, Wisconsin. Joanne also enjoyed knitting, attending daily Mass, playing cards with friends, and dining out. After Arnie retired, Joanne accepted a "temporary" position in the Registrar's Office at Alverno College. That temporary job blossomed into more than a decade of rewarding work that she truly loved. In later years, Joanne devoted herself to caring for Arnie as his health declined, showing the same devotion and strength that defined her life.
Joanne's greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved spending time with family and her four grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and happiness. She will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering faith, and the love she poured into the lives of those around her.
Joanne is survived by her sons, Jerome Dudzik and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Dudzik; and her grandchildren, Brittany, Lauren, Joseph, and Emma Dudzik. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Bendel; Arnold Dudzik; Wilford Dorn; her siblings, John (Eileen) Bendel, Mary (Tom) Wutschel, Robert Bendel, and Jean Bendel; and her daughter, Julie Dudzik.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Froedtert Hospital and Froedtert Reserve for their exceptional care as Joanne faced a series of health challenges over the past 20 months. Special thanks are given to Dr. Karen-Sue Carlson and her staff for their outstanding care and kindness, and to Synergy home care, Always Best Care, and Aurora Zilber Hospice for their gentle and loving support during Joanne's final weeks. The family also wishes to extend sincere thanks to Joanne's neighbors (Kathy, Gary, Patti, Donna, Tammi, and Sam) for their ongoing kindness and support following Arnie's passing. Their frequent visits, companionship, and help with transportation to medical appointments are deeply appreciated.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 13th, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community in Hales Corners, WI, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private Christian burial is planned for a future date at St. Mary's Visitation Cemetery, Elm Grove, WI.