Joan Rochelle Wright

Stoughton - Joan Klevickis Reiser Wright, 95 years old, passed away at Skaalen Nursing on October 18, 2024. Joan was born June 12, 1929, to Kazmira and Constantine Klevickis in Kenosha WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, all 9 of her siblings, husbands Adelbert Reiser and Harry Wright, son, Paul and step son-in-law Michael Iverson.

She was united in marriage to Adelbert Reiser on May 5, 1951, and had 3 children Paul (Cathy), John (Rita) and Casey (Skot). After Del’s death she met Harry Wright and enjoyed a second marriage (June 30, 1984), embracing his family as her own, including children MaryJo (Michael), Sandi, and Jeff (Char). She delighted in the many grandchildren and great grandchildren, great great grandchildren who all had a special place in her heart. 

She loved pets as if they were family, especially the Bichon she and Harry owned, Ole. She always welcomed visits from grand puppies and grand kitties and was disappointed that personal pets were not allowed at her Assisted Living Apartment. 

Joan graduated from Mary D. Bradford (MDB) High School in Kenosha WI in 1947. She was recently awarded a Varsity letter in Balloon Ball at Skaalen Heights and has the athletic-style sweater with a MDB Red Devils letter to prove it. She received her B.S. in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee in 1967 and did graduate work at UW-Madison. She later obtained her Nursing Home Administrators license.

She worked in human services for most of her adult life at Bethesda Lutheran Home. She held many positions including her first position as an admissions social worker and retiring with the title Administrator Regional Facilities covering the states of Illinois, Texas and Kansas.

She kept busy through her retirement with extensive volunteering with the St. Vincent DePaul Society Stoughton (committee work and home visits), RSVP, Toki Middle School and St. Ann’s Church. In a recent conversation with former St Ann Parish pastor, Monsignor Gerard Healy, he told her she had “done good things with her life which brought her many blessings”.

In addition to helping others Joan enjoyed gathering with friends and family. She also loved to travel, especially trips with her husband Harry and her sister Connie and her companion Art. Among the places she visited were Hawaii, Korea, Germany, Costa Rica, Austria, British Isles, Spain, the Canary Islands, Bermuda, Virgin Islands, Mexico, Canada, Alaska and Norway. She loved to laugh, dance and share a meal. Even in her last days she was asking for a glass of chardonnay.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Skaalen Heights and the Skaalen home for their kindness and care. We especially wish to thank the Agrace Hospice staff for working so diligently to ensure her comfort. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday October 26, 2024, at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St. Stoughton with Fr. Randy Budnar presiding. A catered luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the funeral at the church on Saturday. There will be a private interment at the Saint Ann cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers consider donating to the St. Vincent de Paul organization care of St Ann parish or The Cat’s Pawjamas Rescue, N6567 English Settlement Road, Albany, WI 53502 Adopt Cats | Cat's PawJamas Rescue | Southern Wisconsin  https://www.catspawjamasrescue.com/

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

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