Joanne H. Wuensch

Joanne H. Wuensch, 84 of La Crosse, died at her home on Monday, December 12, 2016 after a brave and courageous battle with cancer while surrounded by the love of her family. She and her twin sister Jean were born on May 20, 1932 in La Crosse to Mac and Kathleen (Weigel) Erickson. Joanne and Jean would later come to be known to friends and family as the “Gold dust twins”. Joanne grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Central High School in 1949. She met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart Lorin “Lou” Wuensch. Following high school Lou enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi Miss. Before leaving for Germany, they decided to marry. Joanne borrowed her sister’s wedding dress and took a three day train trip to Biloxi by herself. They were married On October 12, 1952 at the Air Force chapel in front of a whole congregation of strangers. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. When Lou left for Germany, Joanne came back to La Crosse. During this time their first daughter Cathi was born. Lou didn’t meet her until she was 9 months old. They settled in San Antonio, Texas while Lou completed his military service. They then relocated back to La Crosse where their second daughter Jennifer was born. 22 months later, they welcomed their only son Erik and the family was complete.
She was a feisty, little lady who loved picnics, fireworks, attending her sons and grandsons sporting events, bird watching at her daughter’s country home and going out for Chinese with her granddaughter Rachel.
When she was younger, she held various jobs and for many years had served as a wedding consultant and also was employed with Honig’s Gift Shop for 17 years.
She was an active member of English Lutheran Church having been baptized and confirmed there. She was an alter guild member, Sunday School teacher, Kitchen volunteer for funeral lunches and a member of the church quilters. She loved her quilting friends especially Joanne Tomalka. Joanne traveled to Alaska 35 times over the years to visit her daughter Cathi and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Conrad and Donald “D.D” Erickson, her twin sister Jean Groth and many nieces nephews and other family members. She is survived by her husband Lorin “Lou” Wuensch of La Crosse, daughters Cathi (Butch) Novotney of Anchorage, Alaska, Jennifer (Tim) Whitman of Bangor, Wis., one son Erik (Jeannette) Wuensch of La Crosse, grandchildren Amy Novotney, Kerry (Simon) Muller, Stefan (Lindsay) Novotney, all of Anchorage, Rachel (Clint) Braunel, Ben (Samantha) Berger of La Crosse, Jessica Ekern, Kristina (Brad) Seidel and Alex (fiancée Addie) Wuensch all of La Crosse; eight great grandchildren, one great great grandchild due in June, one brother in law Rum Groth and one sister in law Kathy Erickson. She is further survived by her best friend Barb Walsh and her family of La Crosse.
Mom; Thanks for all the great memories. You will live in our hearts forever. You are so loved and will be missed tremendously. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Gundersen Hospice and English Lutheran Church for their compassion during this time of need.
Memorial services will be held at 11am on Friday, December 16, 2016 at English Lutheran Church. Pastor Mark Solyst will officiate. Private family burial at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park will be at a later date. Friends may call on the family Thursday evening at the church from 5 until 7pm and again at the church on Friday from 10am until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to either English Lutheran church, WAFER or any organization of ones choice.