Joan A. Carlson, of Gillett, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, with her family by her side, following a short illness.
Joan was born in the town of Lena to Theodore and Caroline Zahn in the home of her grandparents, Herman and Jenny Kanack.
Joan married Everett Carlson on June 10, 1957, and they resided for a short time in the state of Washington, then returned to spend her life in Gillett.
Joan attended Spruce grade school and graduated from Oconto Falls High School. She then attended Marinette County Normal School, earning her teaching license. Joan received her Bachelor of Science and Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Joan began her teaching career at the one-room Beaver Lake School near Spruce, then taught 34 years at Gillett Elementary. For several years following her retirement, she continued to substitute teach at Suring Elementary School. Joan loved children and was very proud of her teaching career.
Joan was very active and loved to travel with her family, visit with friends and spend time at Kelly Lake, especially the pontoon rides. Joan also enjoyed Sudoku, watching “Jeopardy” and her many backyard flowers.
Joan was very proud of her family and was blessed with five children: Craig (Melonnie Sundberg), of Mosling, grandchildren, Jeremiah, Joshua and Andrea; Todd (Micki), of Gillett, grandchildren, Emily, Ashley and Brock; Suzanne (John) Olson, of Green Bay, grandchildren, Jacqueline, Kurt, Kevin and Stephanie; Renee (Dennis) Fabry, of Suamico; and Michelle (Joe) Monfort, of Green Bay, grandchildren, Quinn, Eden and Lydia. Joan was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren.
She is further survived by her brother, Armand (Janet) Zahn, of Wyoming; her sister, Jenny (Herb) Fischer, of Pulaski; her brother, Bill (Barb) Zahn, of Spruce; brother-in-law Ray (Lenea) Carlson, of Gillett; sister-in-law Verona Carlson, of Gillett, and brother-in-law, Leland Nicholas, of Oconto Falls.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Sally Zahn, brother-in-law Frederick Carlson and sister-in-law Lois Nicholas.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to establish a memorial fund toward elementary students and education.
The family would like to thank the St. Vincent Hospital ICU staff for their kind and attentive care.
Relatives and friends may visit with family at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow.
Kuehl Funeral Home, 920-855-2144, is serving the family.
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