JoAnn Weinert, age 85, a resident of Manitowoc, peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by family on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center in Manitowoc.
JoAnn was born February 20, 1939, in Sheboygan, to the late Leonard and Linda (Mattes) Kraft. She attended schools in Manitowoc, graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. Among her many activities, she was the editor of the Flambeau, attended the national Girl Scout Jamboree, and went on a student exchange to Little Rock, Arkansas. She was part of a group of girlfriends who remained friends their entire lives. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On August 23, 1958, almost 66 years ago, JoAnn married the love of her life, Robert Weinert, at Manitowoc First Reformed Church.
JoAnn was a lifelong Girl Scout. She was not only an enthusiastic Girl Scout Leader, but also served as Manitou Girl Scout Council Board President, and then as a National Representative. JoAnn was an Elder and Deacon at First Presbyterian Church. She also was very active in P.E.O. Chapter CD, Thalia Dramatic Club, Service League, and the AFS Club, among many others. JoAnn was affiliated with Crafts Inc. longer than anyone, as her father incorporated the company in 1946. She served as Corporate Secretary for Crafts Inc. until recently.
JoAnn was an avid reader, seamstress, and quilter. She was also a gracious hostess and amazing cook who, in addition to coordinating the publication of several organizations’ fundraising cookbooks, published her own cookbook. JoAnn and Bob travelled to many countries together (including 22 trips to Europe) and enjoyed many happy weekends at their cottage on Lake Emily, and winters in Arizona. Above all, JoAnn loved spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include JoAnn’s husband: Robert Weinert; four children: Steven (Alison) Weinert, Catherine Egger, Sarah Jo Stewart, Randall (Karen) Weinert; seven grandchildren: Thomas (Jasmina) Weinert, Winston Weinert, Victor Weinert, Zachary (Stephanie) Stewart, Felicia Stewart (Caleb Campion), Cole Egger, Laurie Weinert; five great-grandchildren: Carla, Ben, Cayla, Cienna and Adalee; and sister-in-law: Donna Weinert. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. JoAnn is also survived by her AFS exchange son, Juan Suquia. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents: Leonard and Linda Kraft; sister: Nancy Martin; grandchildren: Sydney Egger and David Weinert; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Siegfried and Esther Weinert.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc. Rev. William Bulson will officiate at the service. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Funeral Home on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:00 p.m. A luncheon will be held following the service at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St., Manitowoc. JoAnn will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in JoAnn’s name to the Girl Scouts of Manitou Council, 5212 Windward Ct., Sheboygan, WI 53083.
JoAnn’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Laurel Grove Assisted Living, Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of the compassionate care they provided. During her time there, JoAnn really enjoyed getting to know the staff and hearing about their lives.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
