Joanne M (Schmidt) Melander was born on July 27, 1938 in Marshfield, WI, the daughter of Elmer F. Schmidt and Mary (Fitzel) (Schmidt) Volland. She passed away on February 3, 2024, after a sudden decline in her health. Joanne was only 85 years of age.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Donald Melander. The couple met during Joanne’s education at Marshfield Senior High where she would graduate in May of 1956. They were married on September 4, 1956, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. That same year Joanne began work as a bookkeeper for Central State Bank. The couple purchased their first farm north of Spencer in 1959 and went on to farm for over 40 years.

Joanne found joy in farming and raising their eight children, cultivating her garden, canning the produce, and tending to her flower beds including her treasured gladiolus and lilies. Joanne was very active with her children through the Marathon County 4H both within the club and the county.

Joanne leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity. She shared her passion for crafting with her children and grandchildren. Joanne enjoyed sewing. She made clothes for her children and later quilts to be donated to missions around the world. After the sale of their farm in 2004 Joanne expanded her creative skills to scrapbooking where she memorialized her family and their memories.

Joanne was predeceased by her daughter Melissa, her father Elmer, her mother Mary, and her stepfather Bill. Her in-laws Edward and Gertrude.

Joanne leaves behind her husband Donald, children: Debra (Rich) Wachholz, Ray (Pam) Melander, Andrea Nthole, Mitchel (Lynn) Melander, Mark (Cheryl) Melander, Michelle (Jeff) King, Melanie (Tony) Mader, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her brother Ronald (Renna) Schmidt and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held in her honor at Peace Lutheran Church in Baldwin, Wi on Wednesday, February 7^th at 10:30 am with visitation at 9:30 am. The funeral will be livestreamed :HERE.