Joanne Margaret Holder's Obituary
Heaven gained a beautiful soul on February 11, 2021. Joanne Holder beloved wife, loving Mom, Nanny and friend to many was born on June 11, 1932. Her parents were Julius and Beatrice Schnur of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. She graduated from BRF High School with the class of 1950 where she enjoyed music, excelled at baton twirling, and led the marching band as drum majorette.
Joanne attended La Crosse State University for one year, then graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955 with a degree in Occupational Therapy.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Richard Levis Holder, and together they raised their family and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.
Joanne was very active in the BRF community. She was a dedicated member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent. Joanne volunteered as a Campfire Girl Leader and President of the council for many years. She was a member of the Karner Blue Garden Club, Tuesday Club, and Book Club.
Joanne loved nature, gardening, fishing, swapping a good fish tale, birding, and coffee time with friends. A highlight in recent years was being “Nanny” to her nine wonderful grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and sharing traditions, including the annual family Christmas program and her famous 4th of July parade and picnic. Family and friends will remember Joanne’s warm smile, genuine interest in others, her willingness to listen and offer a helping hand. Joanne welcomed many life moments with joy and laughter, and said goodbye with a tearful “see you next time”.
Joanne was preceded in death by her loving husband and soulmate Richard, her parents, and sister Marylou. She is survived by her children: Cathleen (Thomas) Warwick, Daniel (Michele) Holder, Mary Grace (Bryan) Renk and Sara (Mark) Schultz, who will carry on her example of parenting and aging with grace sprinkled with a little spunk. Her grandchildren, Jessica (Nate) Warwick, Rebecca (Katie) Warwick, Joshua Warwick, Shannon Holder, Richard Holder, Zachary Renk, Jonathan (Ali) Renk, Lewis (Mallory) Renk and Thressa Schultz will continue doing what Nanny did best, celebrating the little and big moments, fully present with love.
We will be forever thankful for the unconditional love, joy and support that Mom has always blessed us with. Having grown up in a home exhibiting these qualities fills our hearts with gratitude.
A private family burial will take place at a later date. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to: Karner Blue Garden Club, PO Box 809, Black River Falls, WI 54615 or charity of one’s choice.
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