Joan M Joas

Stockbridge WI

Joan M. Joas (Gerhartz), of Stockbridge, entered into her Savior’s arms on November 2, 2025, at the age of 89. Joan was born in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, on December 21, 1935, to the late Leo and Alta (Porter) Gerhartz.

Joan graduated from Stockbridge High School with the Class of 1954. She was later united in marriage to Leonard Joas on August 13, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stockbridge. Joan faithfully served her parish as a lector and greeter for many years.

Throughout her career, Joan was a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry. She was one of the first female telecommunications engineers in Wisconsin and became the first female Vice President of AT&T. Joan retired from Wisconsin Bell/Ameritech in 1991 and remained an active member of the Telecom Pioneers. She also served as president of the Stockbridge Senior Citizens Club until it disbanded and was a proud member of the Red Hats Club in Calumet County.

Joan is survived by her sister, Ginny (Wayne) Meyer of Stockbridge; two sons, Lawrence (Barb) Joas of Crivitz and Dean Joas of Stockbridge; three grandchildren, Kyle (Christy) Joas of Appleton, Jody Joas of Grand Chute, and Haily (Shaun) Buechel of Stockbridge; and two great-grandchildren, Devin Joas and Berkley Buechel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Alta (Porter) Gerhartz; her in-laws, Albert and Marcella Joas; siblings Roland Gerhartz, Charles Gerhartz, and Ellen Lavey; nephew Donald Gerhartz; great-nephew Philip Gerhartz; and great-niece Hailey Kees.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on November 8, 2025, at St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church (120 Davis St.) in Stockbridge, with Father Michael Betley officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 am until 10:45 am at the church prior to service. Joan will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Joan’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff for their compassionate care during her final moments, and to all the friends and family who visited and supported her in her final days—especially Mary Lou Schneider, Connie Loewe, Tammy Mackai, and Ann Gilles.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Joan arrived in heaven just in time to enjoy a Sunday chicken dinner with Lenny once again.