Joanne W. Williams
October 21, 1946 -
April 17, 2025
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Joanne W. Williams, 78, of Kenosha. Joanne was a beloved wife, mother, sister, “Grammy,” “Auntie Jo,” and friend who left this world peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.
Joanne was born Wieslawa Janina Michalski in Lingen, Germany on October 21, 1946, to Jan and Marianna (Michnacki) Michalski. The family immigrated to the United States when “Wiesha” was 5 years old. A nun at St. Casimir Catholic School gave her the English name “Joanne” in first grade. She kept Wieslawa as her middle name, though the family joked that the “W” stood for Worry.
Joanne graduated from St. Casimir Catholic School and St. Joseph High School in Kenosha. She attended UW-Parkside before leaving to work for Hamilton Beach as a keypunch operator. In 1970, she married Gerald D. “Jerry” Williams, also of Kenosha. They made a home, raised a family, and shared adventures with their kids and later just the two of them–bicycling, camping, and traveling to 49 of the 50 States (missing only Hawaii).
Joanne worked in various part-time jobs over the years, but her real profession was Mom. She would do anything for her kids. She was a fantastic cook and baker, and she loved to create things with her hands–from macrame (remember that?) to latchhook rugs, to flower arranging, tatting, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and more. She sewed wedding dresses for her sister and sister-in-law, and costumes for her children and for St. Joe’s musicals.
Everything Joanne turned her hand to was made more beautiful by her creative touch, and she loved to make things that made other people happy. Her afghans crocheted with her signature “popcorn stitch” are cherished by all those who have been the lucky recipients of one. Her crocheted snowflakes adorn many Christmas trees. Whatever dessert she brought to any gathering was always the first to disappear.
Joanne is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Jerry Williams, her “favorite son”, John and “favorite daughter”, Christina; her brother, Jan (Diane) Michalski; her sister, Christina Proko; her grandchildren, Lydia, Anna, and Thomas, and many other relatives and friends.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Jan and Marianna Michalski, and her baby sister, Irena.
If you wish to honor Joanne’s memory, her family encourages you to create something with your own hands and give it to someone you love, or to someone who could use some comfort, cheer, or encouragement. Joanne always tried to make people feel better and special with gifts–often handmade–and she would love for that legacy to be carried forward. Top of Form
Service Date April 30, 2025
SERVICE LOCATION St. Mary Catholic Church
A visitation for Joanne will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until the Time of Sharing at 6:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
The Time of Sharing on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 may be viewed via livestream on the following link facebook.com/PiaseckiFuneralHome/live/. You do not need Facebook to watch.
A second visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7400 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
The Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 1, 2025 may be viewed via livestream on the following link https://youtube.com/live/jDXnoRUBNiI?feature=share
Interment will follow in St. Casimir Cemetery.
Posted by:
James CoylePosted on:
May 1, 2025Dear Jerry and Family, I wish I could have been there for the service and enjoy and be blessed by the presence of family and friends, the stories and love shared and to share those blessings with you all. I join you in celebration of Joanne. So kind, thoughtful, reliable and loving. To me she is very much alive in the eyes of her family, in the remembrances we share, in the loving crafts many of us were blessed with by her and in the laughter, tears and hearts of the people she touched and changed in subtle yet meaningful ways. I didn’t know her name was Joanne or Weislawa Janina. I thought her name was “Mom”. That’s what Hammy called her do that’s what I always called her. She didn’t blink or correct me so she was Mom. Joanne is such a nice name however Weislawa Janina is EPIC! That is just like her though, her humility and quiet way was like wrapping around the gift of the talent in her hands and the glow of her beautiful heart. She lives through our thoughts and the memories we share, the people she touched and changed and her amazing family. With love and friendship, James aka Panda
Posted by:
Carl and Marilyn SeveyPosted on:
April 30, 2025Dear Jerry and Family. We send our condolences to you for your loss. We met you and Joanne many years ago when our sons were in Cub Scouts. I think they all enjoyed Scouts. Even though we haven't seen you in a long time, we did think of you and your family. I remember when the radio station had a show where they called someones name. If that person called back in about ten minutes that person would win a prize. Joanne's name was given and she didn't call in. I called her to let her know. She did call in and won the prize. We also remember about you, Jerry, that you liked to go for a walk at night. You said you always walked in the middle of the road. Joanne was a very talented lady. She will be missed by many people. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Carl and Marilyn Sevey and sons, Mark & John
Posted by:
Barb SchroederPosted on:
April 23, 2025Jerry & family: Joanne was always going on adventures with Jerry & loved everything they did. I remember when Jerry brought a lemon cake she made for his birthday for us all to celebrate at Abbott Labs. It was the best ever! Jerry, remember the love & memories of your lives in your heart because Joanne will always be with you wherever you go. ?????
Posted by:
tomPosted on:
April 22, 2025dear Jerry: so saddened to hear of Joanne. I was one of those lucky enough to get one of Jo's afghans and will miss her famous black berry jam that can't be duplicated.. my love and prayers, tom nighbor
Posted by:
Kathy & Ben RaderPosted on:
April 21, 2025I'm so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. She was such a kind soul. I've known her for many years. Joanne and her family traded at our business for decades and we belonged to the same parish.. Joanne would ride her bike down Washington road to visit her mother. Many times she would stop in just to chat. On one occasion she brought me a few hand made needle point snow flakes, that I cherish today. We would always remember Joanne and her family. Not just because of there kindness but because they always named there cars we worked on. She will be missed by many. The Rader Family
