Joan P. Grunewald

Joan P. Grunewald, 95, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, WI.

On September 16, 1928, Joan was born to Frank and Elizabeth (Peterson) Rabideaux. Joan attended Bayfield High School, graduating with the class of 1946. On November 29, 1952, she married the love of her life and best friend August Grunewald in Bayfield, WI.

Shortly after their marriage they moved to Chippewa Falls, WI where they have been lifelong residents. Family is, and always has been important to Joan. While her children were young she stayed at home to take care of them. She also enjoyed working in her large garden, reading, sewing, knitting, fishing and baking. She made the best apple pies and if you were to stop in and visit she would always ask if you were hungry and wanted something to eat. In 1972 she began working for the State of Wisconsin at the Northern Center in food service where she retired 20 years later.  After their retirements they enjoyed travelling the western United States and fishing in Canada.

Joan had a strong faith in God and was a long-time member of Notre Dame Parish and prayed the rosary daily. At family gatherings she would end every prayer with “keep us all well.”

Joan is survived by her, son, Duane (Sandra) of Cadott; daughter, Mary Grunewald of Middleton; grandchildren, Erin (Shandon) Grunewald of Chippewa Falls, Sara (Ryan) DeWitt of Racine, and Mandy Grunewald of Middleton; a great-granddaughter, Mosley Grunewald; and step-great-grandsons, Liam, Silas, and Cullen DeWitt; sisters, Shirley (William) Ante, of Ashland and Janet (Ben) Gustafson, of Bayfield; brother, Allen (Mary Jo) Rabideaux of Bayfield; along with many nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, August; son, David; and siblings, Irene Rydberg, Eleanor DeBriyn, and Francis, Robert and Daniel Rabideaux.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Mayo Health Systems, Visiting Angels, Meals on Wheels, and her many wonderful neighbors.

The memorial mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church with a visitation one hour prior to the mass at church. Fr. Brandon Guenther will be officiating. The interment will be in Hope Catholic Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.