Joan G. Wernimont

Joan Gertrude Wernimont, 86, went peacefully into the Lord’s arms on October 21, 2020. A celebration of life and Mass of Christian burial will be held on Nov. 14, 11 AM, at Roncalli Newman Center, La Crosse, WI. She will be laid to rest next to her parents at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carroll, IA in 2021. Online access to view/live stream the Mass can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mX3KZDI6H1N5TebreqtZw .

Joan was the eldest daughter of Joseph & Pauline Greteman, born March 7, 1934 at Carroll, Iowa. She graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School of Willey, Iowa in 1948, St. Angela Academy of Carroll, Iowa in 1952 and St. Anthony School of Nursing of Carroll, Iowa in 1955. Joan Married Floyd Wernimont in 1956, divorcing in 1986. Joan is survived by her four children: Mark (Theresa) Wernimont, Denise (Joseph) DeBonville, Deanna (Thomas) Wood, Brian (Katherine) Wernimont as well as her sister, Sister Jolyce Greteman, a member of the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration.

Along with raising her family, Joan practiced nursing in Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado.

Ever a devoted Catholic, she participated in its varied women’s organizations, attended classes to further her knowledge of her faith and was a member of several church choirs.

Joan had an unquenchable love of travel and undertook countless journeys within the United States and abroad with family and friends. She was an avid reader, enjoyed parades, music, theater and art in all forms. She was gifted at numerous types of handwork and reveled in attending sporting events or viewing remotely. She enjoyed games of all kinds and knew only one way to play cards: To win. There was always time for ice cream or wine. Her eyes frequently sparkled with mischief and she laughed easily. The greatest joy of her life was being a mother of four, a grandmother of twelve, a great grandmother of six (with a seventh due January 2021), having a sister as well as being a friend to many from her life’s travels and organizations.

In honor of mom's 86 years of life, and in lieu of flowers, we are encouraging a donation to your local senior organization or to the Joan Wernimont Memorial GoFundMe campaign https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-joan-wernimont . Proceeds from this campaign will be divided between the Grand Rapids MI Northview Senior Citizens and La Crosse WI Senior Excursions to support continuation of the programming mom so enjoyed.