Joanne Clare Thorkelson

Joanne Clare (Jarock) Thorkelson, 79, of Fond du Lac and formerly of Pulaski, passed away Monday, December 26, 2022, at Harbor Haven Health and Rehabilitation in Fond du Lac. The daughter of Edward and Isabelle (Swiekatowski) Jaroch was born June 6, 1943, in Pulaski.

Joanne grew up in Pulaski and graduated from Pulaski High School with the class of 1961. Following high school, she attended St. Nobert College and later obtained an M.A. at the University of Northern Iowa. Joanne taught French and English at Mishicot High School from 1965-1968. She then taught at B.F. Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac from 1968 until her retirement in 2000.

Joanne enjoyed gardening, going on walks, and visiting with neighbors. She loved her dogs dearly and also loved to travel.

Survivors include her siblings: Judy Larscheid, Leonard (Kathryn) Jarock, Richard (Joann) Jarock, Paula (Louie) Raska, and Vicki Marotz.

In addition to her parents, Edward and Isabelle, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou (Robert) Woodke; a brother, Norman (Clarice) Jarock; a brother-in-law, Merle Larscheid; and a nephew, Larry Woodke.

Friends are invited to gather with family at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 119 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. James Esser, O.F.M. presiding. Burial will take place in the spring in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to special friend, Mary Daly, and the entire staff at Harbor Haven Nursing Health and Rehabilitation.