JoAnn Arlene Persico, age 85 of Hudson, WI, passed away May 31, 2020, at Christian Community Home in Hudson. JoAnn was born March 22, 1935, in Sawyer, ND, to Lawrence and Helen (Sweet) Flammang. She graduated from Marycliff High School, and was a proud alum of Gonzaga University, both in Spokane, WA. JoAnn was united in marriage to John “Jack” Persico on September 15, 1956, in Spokane, WA, and their marriage was blessed with seven children.

JoAnn was an active member of the Hudson community.  She was on the Hudson City Council for six years, and worked in real estate for 30 years, both as an Edina Realty agent, and an independent developer. As a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, her faith was strong and true. 

JoAnn had a great passion for nature and gardening, participating over 30 years in the Hudson Garden Club. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge with friends, keeping up with politics, and relished a spirited debate. She loved to travel, whether camping with her family, or experiencing other cultures abroad. 

However, JoAnn loved family more than anything else, and greatly appreciated spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will all miss her dearly. 

JoAnn is survived by her children, Lawrence (Sandra) Persico, Therese Larson, Edward (decd) (Kim) Persico, Mary Jo (Tim) Filipiak, Timothy Persico, Peggy Persico (Mat Seidensticker), and Ann Marie (Jason Ruen) Persico; 19 grandchildren: Joseph Persico, Jamie (Anne Marie) Persico, Jessie (James) Brown, Jennifer (Richard) Yarl, Sarah (Colin) Marnach, Maria Larson, Luke Larson, Tristan (Lindsay) Persico, Margaret (Josh) Edison, Nicholas (Lindsey) Filipiak, Jack Filipiak, Emma Filipiak, Anthony Persico, Allison Persico, Alex Pruyn, Megan Ruen, and Ruby Ruen; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters Barbra Chilsen and Linda Doheney; six nieces and three nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack,  son Edward, sister Constance Cannole, granddaughter Katy Jo, and great-granddaughter Lucy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Monday, June 15th, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, with a visitation starting at 9:30Am. For those that wish to watch the service, you may connect through St. Patrick Church’s Facebook Live. After the service at church there will be a reception for family and friends at White Eagle from 12pm-3pm, 316 White Eagle Trail, Hudson, WI 54016. Memorials are preferred to Cradle of Hope, 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 104, Roseville, MN 55113, (651) 636-0637.        

link to St. Patrick’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpatrickparishhudson

The service will be posted about 10 minutes before the service starts