Joan Mary Gaatz (nee Oleson), age 85, of rural Redgranite, Pearl Lake passed away peacefully Sunday, February 2, 2025 at her home surrounded by the love of her family, Joan was born September 2, 1939 near Wisconsin Rapids, the daughter of Walter and Regina (Walloch) Oleson. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. Joan was employed as a physical therapy assistant at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee for a number of years. She loved to walk around Pearl Lake and do puzzles. Most of all, she loved being a wife, mom, and grandma. She is ssurvived by her husband, Dellos, a daughter, Kelly (Tom) Jerome of West Bend, a son, Mitch (Marcia) Klappa of Belgium, 3 grandchildren, Angela Blanchard of Hartford, Jessica Klappa of Milwaukee, and Jennifer Jerome of West Bend, 4 great-grandchildren, Forest, Hunter, Lux and Max, a brother, Wayne (Sharon) Oleson of Wisconsin Rapids, other relatives and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Jean Bredda. Funeral Services for Joan M. Gaatz will be held Friday, February 7th . at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Redgranite, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11:00 A.M. by Father Jaya Prakash (J. P.) Nemali. Entombment will be Monday morning, February 10th. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Milwaukee. Memorials for the Alzheimer’s Association in place of flowers. Joan’s family would like to thank ThedaCare Home Hospice, especially Jodie and Angie for the wonderful care they gave Joan and her family. The Ruminski Funeral Home of Redgranite is assisting the Gaatz family with arrangements. (920) 566-2313.
