Joan M. Postell
Joan Marie Postell age 90, passed away November 30, 2024, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Joan was born January 2, 1934, in Stevens Point to Raymond Stanke and Mary (Piotrowski) Stanke. She was the oldest of five children. She worked as a nanny in her later teens.
Joan married Jack Postell in 1957, and they had four boys: Michael (Karla), Mauston, WI; Norman, Eau Claire, WI; Patrick, Frisco, TX; Shawn (Teri), Wrightstown, WI.
Due to Jack’s job, the family lived in Milwaukee, WI, Columbus, OH, Waterford, PA and then in 1970 they moved to a farm outside Menomonie, WI. Jack passed away from cancer in 1997 and she continued to live on the farm until health issues made it necessary for her to move to an assisted living facility a few years ago.
She canned a lot of the different vegetables raised in their large garden, and she was especially known for her pickles, which was a favorite present at Christmas. She also picked raspberries and for many years sold them to a local restaurant.
Joan worked for many years at UW Stout in the Photography Department. She scheduled the dark rooms and sold film to the students.
She was a long-time active member of St. Joseph Parish in Menomonie and later in life was a member of the Moose Lodge in Menomonie. She also enjoyed occasionally going to the Casino with friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her mother and father, and brothers Allen and Ray. She is survived by her four sons, four grandchildren, Emily, Colin, Krista and Samuel, and two sisters, Janet and Bonnie.
The family wishes to thank the folks at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood, Care Partners Country Terrace in Eau Claire, and St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care and concern in Joan’s final years.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Monday December 16, 2024 at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie. A private burial service will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Cornelia de Lange Foundation (Donate | CdLS Foundation