August 17, 2017 at the age of 62 years, of Whitewater and Mequon. She was a life partner to her significant other, Cliff Mayer of Mequon. Sister to Diane Wellborn, and Aunt to Tom and Vicki Pasko, all from the state of Washington, and mother-in-law Ruth Resto of Oshkosh. She was a bright light to all her friends, family, and co-workers throughout her life and her career. 

Joanne was the Manager of the Administrative Services at Lad Lake, Inc. Previously, she retired after 22 years of service with the University of Wisconsin campuses where she served as the Assistant Campus Dean for Administrative Services at UW-Waukesha and as Special Consultant to US-Fox Valley. Joanne began her career in higher education as the Bursar at the UW-Whitewater, and held various positions in the Administrative Affairs division. She held an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Management and a B.S. degree in Psychology from UW-Whitewater. 

Joanne was committed to lifelong learning and service to others. She held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the Whitewater Optimist Club and as District Secretary/Treasurer for the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan district of Optimists International. She was a founding member of the Wisconsin Forward Award and continues to serve as an Examiner. Joanne also volunteers for the New Horizons Program of the Nazarath Project of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. She is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the UW-Whitewater College of Education and previously served 12 years as a member of the US-Whitewater Foundation Board of Directors. She serves WWHEL as Treasurer and member-at-large. 

Joanne was diagnosed with lupus at an early age, but managed it throughout her life and lived a healthy, active lifestyle. We believe an infection from a cat bite complicated her health. She remained strong during all her hospital stays and treatments; but, the combination of these conditions depleted her energy and ultimately got the best of her. 

Visitation is on Thursday, August 24, 2017 beginning at 12Noon at Schmidt and Bartelt in Mequon with Prayer Service and time of sharing at 2:00 PM. 

Charitable donations, in honor of Joanne, can be made to some of her favorite organizations: Lad Lake, Inc.,  Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Chapter Wisconsin Public Radio, or Wisconsin Humane Society.