Obituaries
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Joanne Hernke
Nov. 8, 1946 - June 25, 2025 - Hilbert, WI
Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
11:00 am
43 N. 3rd St.
Hilbert, WI 54129
Funeral Visitation
Monday, June 30, 2025
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Funeral Visitation
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
9:30 am - 10:45 am
43 N. 3rd St.
Hilbert, WI 54129
Burial Service
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
12:00 pm
McHugh Road
Hilbert, WI 54129
Joanne Hernke
Hilbert WI
Joanne Hernke, age 78, of Hilbert, went to be with her Heavenly Father, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. She was born November 8, 1946 in Green Bay, daughter of the late Edwin & Mabel (Schmidt) Gruett.
On April 11, 1970, Joanne married Dennis Hernke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul and just celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together, they flourished and raised their family in the Hilbert area.
Joanne graduated from Chilton High School, after furthering her education and became a nurse. She was one of the most approachable human beings the world has ever known; she was able to strike up a conversation with anyone she came across. Never wanting to be secluded to her home, Joanne enjoyed frequent trips to Appleton for a shopping excursion. It was usually during these instances that Joanne found a new handbag in her care that she could proudly match with whatever outfit or event she may find herself in. Her enjoyment for travel found her throughout all of God’s creation, but she especially enjoyed Door County and time at the cottage in Land O Lakes with family.
Joanne’s faith was paramount in her life. She was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hilbert where she also served countless hours with the Ladies Aide and LWML.
She will always be remembered as a lady, in the most traditional sense of the word. Joanne cherished time honored traditions, enjoyed going out for coffee and breakfast with her friends and loved every opportunity to host family and friends for social functions. Above all of the gifts in her life, Joanne treasured the blessing of her family first. With a loving and caring soul, Joanne proudly watched as her children grew into incredible individuals and she melted with love as her grandchildren became such an important part of her life.
Survivors include her husband: Dennis Frederick Hernke; her children: Bruce Armin (Tina) Hernke, Patrick Dennis Hernke, Minda Jo Hernke and her boyfriend, Aaron Lopez, Nicholas Edwin (Kimberly) Hernke, Adam Herman (Katie) Hernke; her grandchildren: Samantha, Mason, Lilyann, Leighton, Miles, & Louis; her brother: Lloyd (Jean) Gruett; and siblings-in-law: Carol (Tom) Stenklyft, Lois Christman, and Dale (Judy) Hernke. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents: Edwin & Mabel; brothers-in-law: Paul (Barbara) Hernke, Jack Christman; and a nephew Cory Gruett.
Joanne lived her life in service to everyone around her. It is in this heartbreaking circumstance that her family takes a bit of comfort knowing that Joanne continues to give to others through the gift of tissue donation.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at St. Peter Lutheran Church (43 N. 3rd St.) in Hilbert with Rev. Mark Peterson officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. A time of visitation will be held at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, June 30, 2025 and on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at the church from 9:30 am until 10:45 am. At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.
Condolences
I'm very sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. My condolences to all of you. My prayers are with you.
George Duchow (Cousin) 2025-07-10 23:22:05
Dennis & Family, Bonnie Stoltzmann, Sue & Phillip are so very sorry to hear about Joanne. We just found out today from Beverly, otherwise Bonnie & I would have been at the funeral. Sending love, hugs and prayers for you all. ????????????
Sue Fellenz (Distant cousin) 2025-07-05 14:52:08
Dennis and family, please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Joanne. She was always so friendly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Jeff and Kathy Deeley (Friends) 2025-07-03 08:37:26
My condolences to the Hernke family for their loss. It was an honor and a joy to know Joanne. She was so loved and will be missed by so many. RIP
Harriet Osburn (roommate, friend and then cousin) 2025-07-01 07:48:20
Lisa Hernke and I send our prayers and condolences to the Hernke Family during this time of loss. We have great memories of Joanne at their house in Hilbert. May Joanne Rest Peacefully with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hans Hernke (Cousin) 2025-06-30 19:56:49
Dennis and family, I am sorry for your loss. You have family in Ohio thinking of you and praying for you.
Tricia Schmidt (Cousin on Jr's side.) 2025-06-30 11:51:03
Dennis and Family, we are so sorry to hear about Joanne‘s passing. You have our deepest sympathy!
Joe & Sandy Schumacher (Friends, Neighbors ) 2025-06-29 08:18:46
So sorry to hear about Joanne's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
Betty Ruppenthal (Friend) 2025-06-28 06:06:08
Leslie and I send heartfelt condolences to Dennis and the entire Hernke family. Joanne was a very kind lady. May she rest in peace.
Joe Goodrich (Neighbor in Land O' Lakes) 2025-06-27 18:40:49
So sorry to hear of your lose. We use to play together as children.
Sandra wagner (Grade school friend) 2025-06-27 16:59:01
Dennis and Family, We are so deeply sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. It was truly a pleasure getting to know Joanne and being neighbors over the past three years. Her kindness, little visits here and there, and gentle spirit were always so appreciated. We’re incredibly thankful that you both were able to attend our gathering this past Saturday — it means so much to us that we shared that time together. Joanne will be greatly missed by all the lives she has touched and came across, and our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out. With sympathy, Your neighbors; Kayla, Garret and Lillie.
Kayla, Garret and Lillie (Next door neighbor.) 2025-06-27 16:46:12
So sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories y’all made help you in the coming weeks. Prayers!????
Glenda Ellison (Co worker) 2025-06-27 15:23:30
I was so sorry to hear this. Joanne was in my resale store in Chilton many times. She sure did love her clothes and she was always generous with her ideas and advice for displays. I will miss our chats.
Lisa Martin (Friend) 2025-06-27 14:34:57
Dennis and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of this beautiful lady! Our hearts are broken in the loss of a dear and special friend! Rest in peace dear friend!
Kathy and Lonnie Wagner (Friend) 2025-06-27 11:50:57
I’m So deeply sorry for the family’s loss
Billie Geiger (Family friend) 2025-06-27 11:16:13
My deepest sympathies to the entire Hernke family. I have so many memories of Joanne’s sweet smile. She was someone who would always say hello and ask how you are doing. May she rest in peace and be your watchful angel.
Lisa Droese (Goerl) (Friend) 2025-06-26 21:59:05
Dennis and family, we are deeply sorry for your loss which comes as a complete surprise to all of us. Joanne always took the time to say hi and update us on what was happening with her family. When 2nd and 3rd generation cousins hardly get to know each other in this day and age, our children often kept in contact and all of them know where they came from and respected their family heritage. Joanne was a large part of that and will be greatly missed.
Gary and Joan Lemke (cousin) 2025-06-26 21:36:26
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to all of you with the loss of Joanne. Thoughts & prayers sent to you all.
Christine Goetsch (Friend) 2025-06-26 20:29:54
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