Joan Ruth Michalski

Joan Ruth “Joanie” Michalski, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 26, 2024, following a brief illness.

Joan was born August 6, 1933, in the small town of Polley, just outside Gilman, WI -- one of eleven children of Angeline and Herbert McManus.  She was united in marriage to Roman Michalski on May 10, 1958, at St. Alexander Church in Milwaukee.  They anchored their family, together, for 56 years, until Roman’s death in 2014 – always seemingly on the same page, there never appeared to be any “other pages”.

A second amazing blessing in Joan’s life was a twin sister, Jean.  Partners in crime for nine decades, each was an incredible individual, yet, at the same time, they were wonderfully, lovingly, and, at times frighteningly, identical.  

Joan was the quintessential wife, mother and grandmother.  Raised on a farm in northern WI, her work ethic was inspiring.   She baked countless pies and batches of cookies, sewed clothing, PJs, toddlers’ Halloween costumes, and knitted or crocheted enough yarn to keep everyone warm.  Her signature pieces were patchwork quilts – she produced dozens over the years.  Joan also worked a number of years in the bakery/deli at the old Gary’s United Foods, across from the high school in McFarland.

Joan is survived by her three children; Patty (Bruce) Colin of Ranch Palos Verdes, CA, Cliff (Kathy) Michalski of Fitchburg, WI, and Laura (Dave) Ellingson of Fitchburg, WI, eight grandchildren; Grant, Dane, Sami, Julia, Ethan, Nate, Anna, and Sophie, two sisters; Patty Illgen of Madison, WI, and Teddy (usually called “Baby”) Bernier of Enumclaw, WA, and sister-in-law Trudie Kanaskie of Milwaukee, WI.

 Joan was preceded in death by her husband Roman, eight siblings; Clarence McManus, Viola (always called “Goods”) Mattke, Lawrence McManus, Jim McManus, Betty Metallo, Rich McManus, Herb McManus, and twin sister Jean Gaffney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OR CONSOLATION CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI, at 11:00am on Friday, June 7, 2024, with Reverend Randy Budnar officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30am until the time of Mass, with a luncheon to follow off premises.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland, WI, Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon, WI, or Edwards-Foye American Legion Post 534 in McFarland, WI.

Joan’s family wishes to thank both Sienna Crest assisted living in Oregon and Agrace Hospice Care for the tremendous love and tenderness they unfailingly showed along the way.