Joanne Mae Krueger (Novak) was born March 22, 1933, in Antigo, WI; raised in Deerbrook, WI and passed away peacefully Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Joanne was a kind, loving, patient and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She met and married the love of her life James (Jim) Krueger in 1952 after meeting at a dance hall in Polar, WI. After being stationed with Jim on bases in both Louisiana and Oklahoma, they established a family farm in Antigo, WI. Joanne received her initial teaching training through the Normal School in Antigo, where she went on to teach at a one-room schoolhouse. She continued her education, receiving her teaching certificate through Wisconsin State College – Stevens Point. After selling the farm in 1963, Joanne and Jim, along with their 2 children, relocated to Winneconne, WI where she dedicated over 30 years to the Winneconne Elementary School. During those years, she was recognized in the 1990 inaugural year of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”. Outside of her passion towards teaching, Joanne loved road trips out west, spending time with family, a walk or bike ride around the community and she always enjoyed a good book.

She will be deeply missed by son Jeffrey Krueger; daughter Jaymie Wilde; granddaughter Sarah Blashe (Brandon), great- grandson Wyatt Blashe with great-great grandchildren Caiden, Bryer and Sage, great-granddaughter Sydney Blashe (Gene); granddaughter Meghan Longworth (Chad) with great-granddaughters Mya Thuerman (Alex), Elyse and Emery Brehmer; granddaughter Jeana Meyer (Jesse) with great-grandsons Brayden and Kamden Meyer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, mother Vera Novak and maternal aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank the staff at Compassus Hospice for their wonderful care. A special thank you to both Pastor Kevin for visiting during her final days at home and Mueller Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time.

The memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Lord of the Lakes, 6090 Harbour South, Winneconne, WI 54986 with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. A visitation will be held from 10am – 12pm.