JoAnn F. Melanson, age 80, longtime resident of Two Rivers, died peacefully early Saturday morning, August 25, 2018 at the Atrium Post Acute Care Center of Two Rivers.
JoAnn was born in Cooperstown, Wisconsin on December 12, 1937 to Stanley J. and Emma L. (Hassmer) Gretz. She attended elementary school in Two Rivers, and graduated from Kewaunee High School with the class of 1956. On November 26, 1960, she married Theodore A. Melanson at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Norman. JoAnn and Ted enjoyed many years of camping, walking, and biking. JoAnn also enjoyed doing craftwork, and especially cherished the time spent with her family and friends. She retired from Riverside Foods after 25 years of employment; she volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Society of Two Rivers; and was a longtime member of the Ladies of St. Peter the Fisherman.
Survivors include her husband, Ted; three daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Doug Jerke of Watertown, S.D., Susan and Sid Kemp of Two Rivers, Sara and Mike Lipski of Madison; six grandchildren: Derrick (Bethann) Jerke, T.J. (Megan) Jerke, Kyle Greenwood, Spencer Greenwood, Claire Kemp, Aaron Lipski; and one great-granddaughter, Cora Grace Jerke. She is further survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law: Marie Riha of Two Rivers, Janet (Jack) Pelnar of Fort Collins, Colorado; one brother, Jim Gretz of Sheboygan; four sisters-in-law: Eileen Gretz of Manitowoc, Joanne Eggers of Two Rivers, Katherine (Allen) Beranek of Mishicot, Georgiana Melanson of West Jordon, Utah; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including lifelong friends: Nancy Schultz, Mary Jane Tomchek, and Judy Jonas-Virnoche. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Emma Gretz; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Thomas and Josephine Melanson; one brother, Ken Gretz; one sister, Betty Gretz; a sister-in-law & four brothers-in-law: Carol (Roger) Kadow, John Riha, John Eggers, and Richard Melanson, and one nephew, Charles Riha.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd. Two Rivers. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Tom Reynebeau, with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers.
The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Wednesday morning from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. There will be no Tuesday evening visitation.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roncalli High School or St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish.
Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St. Two Rivers is assisting the Melanson family with funeral arrangements.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the entire staff at the Atrium Post Acute Care of Two Rivers, especially Carol; and the caregivers of Aurora at Home Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion given to JoAnn. Special Thanks also to our family and friends for the outpouring support, concern, and prayers sent our way. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
