It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Muriel "Joy" Estano, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the age of 99. She was born on September 16, 1927, to the late John Schmidt and Helen Schneider. She graduated from Kenosha High School. She married the love of her life, Albert Estano on November 12, 1947, at St. Luke's Evangelical Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. They shared 59 wonderful and fulfilling years together.

Joy based her life trusting in God. She was proud to say she was the first baby baptized at St. Luke's. Her faith carried her through the death of her brother Calvin Schmidt during childhood and the death of her father when she was 12 years old.

Joy often said she was truly blessed with a wonderful Stepfather, Wilfred "Snub" Trottier.

She was employed for 24 years in civil service in the Finance/Accounting Dept. at Great Lakes Naval Base retiring in 1981.

Family often heard from others that "Joy" was a perfect name for her, describing her to a tee. Her beautiful smile, the twinkle in her pretty blue eyes, and her sweet personality warmed the hearts of many. Joy was a true lady, always dressed up for the day and included matching jewelry.

Her hobbies included traveling, reading, doing puzzles, knitting, sewing, gardening, and enjoying time with her family.

For more than 40 years, she traveled extensively throughout the US, and the world with her husband, family and friends. Seeing such places as Africa, the coast of South America, including Antarctica at 83 years old, most of Europe and all 50 of the states. She continued traveling until her last trip to Germany at 89 years old.

Joy enjoyed knitting and sewing, Joy often made matching outfits for her young daughters (and their dolls).

Joy enjoyed an assorted variety of crafts, leaving many created treasures to her family.

On any given day, you could find Joy tending to her beautiful flower garden.

After her retirement, she alternated between living in Kenosha, WI, and Harlingen, TX, enjoying her friends and amenities in both locations. Joy loved being with her large family of 3 children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and their 6 spouses, and 9 great grandchildren to celebrate events and holidays together.

She is survived by her children, Kay (Mark) Chodoronek, David (Lauren) Estano, and Nancy (Edward) Gember; her grandchildren, Nicole (David) Isern, Michael (Colleen) Chodoronek, Ryan (Corrisa) Leigh, Matt Chodoronek, Addison (Justin) Feltz, Ian (Lauren) Estano, Hayden (Alexa) Estano, Trenton (Cole) Estano, Maison Estano, and Zion Estano; her great-grandchildren, Isaac Isern, Vincent Isern, Sawyer Leigh, Evelyn Leigh, Miller Leigh, Myles Feltz, Porter Feltz, Harrison Estano, and Hudson Estano.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Schmidt and Helen Schneider; her loving husband, Albert Estano;  her daughter, Susan Estano; her brother, Calvin Schmidt, and her stepfather Wilfred "Snub" Trottier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, https://alzfdn.org/  would be appreciated.