JoAnn A. Muehrcke

2 Corinthians 5:7

“We live by faith, not by sight.”

Beloved mother and sister to many JoAnn A. Muehrcke, 86, of Watertown, feeling Jesus on her shoulder, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Angels Grace in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

JoAnn was born on August 19, 1938, at home in Hankinson, ND, daughter of Alfred and Gertrude (Klawitter) Medenwaldt, the middle of nine children where she credited her parents instilling moral fiber by giving a strong faith in God. “Jo” grew up playing outdoors, board and card games, and helping with chores on the farm. She loved school, especially the activities of the school paper, pep rallies, Glee Club and was a pitcher on the softball team.

After high school graduation JoAnn lived in St. Paul, MN, St. Louis, MO, Palatine, IL and then Chicago, IL. While working in the office, she met Timothy Cooney and they married in September 1961. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Michael and John before his passing in 1968. JoAnn felt blessed with love again and married Robert Muehrcke on June 18, 1972, in Oakbrook, IL, and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage before his passing in 2003. In retirement they moved to Waterloo, WI and then Watertown, WI.

JoAnn had a gift for organization and planning events and loved gathering people together. She was a Rosary College (now Dominican University) graduate. She had a passion for charitable work leading many as the President of the Muehrcke Family Foundation and President of the West Suburban Hospital Auxiliary.

JoAnn shared that her life was a worldwide adventure, and Africa was especially a favorite due to the earthiness she experienced with Bob. She continuously gardened and had flowers blooming throughout the seasons along with her socializing celebrations.

JoAnn had a deep appreciation for the arts and academics. She played the piano, painted, and loved entertaining the deep friendships she grew with her faith groups, card clubs and her Marquardt Community. JoAnn loved all her pets and prayed for her dog Izzy to stay to be her sweet comfort companion until she left us and Izzy cuddled with her all of her final days here.

JoAnn is survived by her children Michael (Cindy Brim) Muehrcke and John Muehrcke, stepchildren Robert Muehrcke Jr., Allan (Sheri) Muehrcke, Conrad (Nick) Muehrcke, Derek (Laura) Muehrcke, Eric (Carol) Muehrcke, grandchildren Elise Muehrcke, Andrea Rice, Kira Schenk, Alyssa Kowalski, Susan Muehrcke, Maria Muehrcke, Brian Muehrcke, Allison Muehrcke, David Muehrcke, Tatum Brim, Vincent Brim, Max Brim, Ella Muehrcke and Isaac Muehrcke and 7 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings Jim (Marie) Medenwaldt, Bill (Irene) Medenwaldt, Lyle (Patti) Medenwaldt, Sandy (Guy) Vogel, John (EiIleen) Medenwaldt, Laura Radland, and her special dog Izzy. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brother Merlin Medenwaldt, sister Verla Westphal, and two sisters in infancy.

A memorial service will take place at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Watertown with Rev. Aaron Reseburg presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Washington Cemetery in the Town of Portland with a Celebration of Life to follow where we welcome her loved ones to share a memory, picture and celebrate this amazing woman who was a gift of lessons and love.

The family would like to thank JoAnn’s circle of faith and health support who held her hand and, in your prayers, she expressed her gratefulness for your care, love and finally true comfort and peace.