Joan M. Solie

Joan M. Solie, 83, of Onalaska, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.

Alf Hansen and his wife, Florence (Fessenden), were blessed with the birth of Joan Mary on May 26, 1933. During her childhood, Joan decided she wanted to be a teacher and she achieved that goal with honors. During her education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, she acted in various theatrical performances and graduated with honors. She went on to attain a Master’s Degree with honors.

Her passion for teaching was temporarily interrupted on December 20, 1958, when she married Dave Solie, Sr. During the many years at West Salem High School, where Joan spent most of her career, she devoted a lot of time to directing musicals for which she received several state honors. The focus was always the students, however, helping them develop confidence and communication skills. That development included a student opportunity to travel to New York City to experience the culture and see Broadway performances. Students were always a focus for Joan, but her primary focus and joy was her family.

Joan and Dave enjoyed traveling to see their children Dave, Jr. and Sarah. They made visits to Ohio to visit their son who was in law school. They also continued making trips to New York to visit Sarah who was a Broadway performer. Later, they traveled the country when Sarah performed with traveling Broadway shows and other musicals.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Dave; her children, Sarah (Tim) Hemesath of Caldwell, N.J. and Dave, Jr. (Janice) of Onalaska; her grandchildren, Grace Hemesath, Kelly (Matt) McMahon, David, III, and Katie; and her great granddaughter, Elanora McMahon. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4 ^th , at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd., in La Crosse, with Rev. Harald Bringsjord officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery.