Joan Skarboszewski

Joan Marie Elizabeth Skarboszewski, 86, of West Salem went to her final rest on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, surrounded by her husband and family, at Mulders Health Care Facility, in West Salem.

She was born June 4, 1934 in Milwaukee and soon adopted by Frank and Helen Kowaleski of La Crosse, WI. She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1953 and married Jim Esser, her classmate, eventually settling in Duluth, MN, where they began raising their family of eventually four children.

Joan later divorced and married Wayne Skarboszewski on December 6, 1969. Wayne, a widower, had four children of his own, the result of this union now included eight children. Wayne and Joan were blessed with a daughter from their union, so their family grew to nine children.

Joan was a talented vocalist, and musician. She attended Viterbo University, participating in the Viterbo Choir, which included a performance tour of Europe, as well as several Viterbo musicals. She enjoyed playing her violin in the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra for nearly 20 years, singing in the La Crosse Choral Union for three years, and was an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church vocal choir and bell choir. She later joined a local volunteer musical group, The Sweet Notes, and continued to play her violin for another 20 years, performing at many nursing homes throughout the Coulee Region. Joan performed in many Spring Grove annual community musicals, and the Caledonia Founders Day melodramas. She kept her love of music performance and theater alive throughout her life. While busy in her own interests, Joan was always there to provide love, support and advice to her large family, which grew to include many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.

Survivors include her husband Wayne, of West Salem, son, Jeff (Kathy) of La Crosse; daughter, Jody (Steve Sandlin) of Katy, TX; daughter, Cathy (Mike Kasten) of Houston, MN; son, Jay (Vicky) of Tomball, TX; son, Andy (Kim), of La Crescent, MN; son, John (Darcy), of Eitzen, MN; son Karl (Cynthia) of Houston, TX, daughter Eileen (Terry Meyer) of La Crescent, MN; daughter, Lisa (Jerry Hohlfeld) of Coon Valley, WI; 26 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grand child.

Private family services will be held. Schumacher - Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.