Joan I. Smith

Athens resident Joan Irene Smith lived a rewarding life which included a fulfilling career, energetic participation in organizations and hobbies and many laughs with family and friends. Joan attended St. Anthony's Elementary School and Holy Cross High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree at Stout Institute. Joan was a dedicated teacher both in her personal and professional life. She served as a teacher for twenty years in the Milwaukee Public School system. After retirement in 1990, Joan served as President and Chairperson of the Lady Elks in Brown Deer Wisconsin. Gardening, scrapbooking, expressing her patriotism and knitting were just some of her passions; Joan was truly one of a kind. Joan loved her family, her friends and her faith very deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred and Edna (Wendt) Braun; her husband William C. Smith, her son Mark Smith and siblings, Jean Hartman, Joyce Riehle and William Braun. Joan is survived by her children Steven (Arlene) Smith, Duluth, MN; William Smith, Manawa, WI; Debra Karnes, Lake Nebagamon, WI; Kathryn (Vernon) Lightwine, Racine, WI; Mary (Dirk) Snellenberger, Iola, WI; and siblings John (Marion) Braun, Marathon, WI; Thomas (Beverly) Braun, Athens, WI; Joseph (Joan) Braun, Milan, WI; and Judith (James) Hartman, Athens, WI. She is further survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren that were the pride and joy of her life. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews whom she loved and welcomed into her home at any time. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Athens, WI. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, WI. Peterson/Kraemer, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com