JoAnn Seena Didier

JoAnn Seena Didier (nee Luetzow), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother and friend to many, passed away on Aug. 8, 2024 in Cedarburg, Wis.

She was born on Aug. 17, 1939, in Milwaukee and grew up in Cedarburg, where her family had strong ties.

JoAnn was proud to be the great-granddaughter of Adam Gleitzmann, the local cooper, and often pointed out his home and shop on Columbia Road. He purchased the property in 1863, and it remained in her mother’s family until 1991. JoAnn had especially fond memories of her mom, so it came as no surprise she seemed to cherish her time there through the years.

Always a woman of deep faith, she often fondly reminisced about being among the earliest graduates of St. Francis Borgia School when it was built in 1951 and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. JoAnn’s devotion to carrying God’s love into the hearts of others was evident throughout her life.

Beyond her faith and family, JoAnn was always an active community member. As a graduate of Cedarburg High School in 1957, she was a proud Bulldog and in the first class to graduate in the “new” high school when it was moved from downtown.

Her social nature led her to obtain a job at one of the local teen hangouts of the time and, at age 16, she met the love of her life, Jerry Didier, at the counter of the Coffee Pot (now PJ Pipers). Married in 1960, they would spend the next 64 years at each other’s side, not only as husband and wife but as colleagues at Kohl’s Food Stores for 30 years, fiercely supportive parents and grandparents to 12 of the luckiest people alive, caregivers to aging relatives and favorite aunt/uncle while providing a refuge to countless others who sought refuge in their home.

Not only were they active and proud members of the Grafton Music Parents for many years, they created an environment where creativity was allowed to flourish inside their home. Beyond the developmental drumming of their own sons, they allowed the boys to build a basement recording studio. Over the years, JoAnn and Jerry quickly became known as second parents to countless local budding musicians because of their warm hearts and high tolerance for loud music. Their efforts are fondly appreciated by dozens of the kids who started practicing in their home so long ago yet still continue their love and pursuit of music today.

As a grandma, JoAnn found pure pride and joy. Never missing an event, she took an active role in each of her grandchildren’s lives, always providing love and support. After surviving breast cancer and becoming a grandma shortly thereafter, she looked at her survival as God’s gift that allowed her to cherish their presence in her life. She never took it for granted and created endless traditions centered around her fun-loving nature and caring concern.

In her free time, JoAnn was a voracious reader, avid walker and loved the opportunity to see a Broadway play when they came to town.

She touched the lives of all who knew her, and her unwavering devotion to her family and friends was evident in everything she did.

JoAnn is survived by her husband Jerome Didier, daughter Dina (John) Braun, son Dane (Cassandra) Didier, son Dan (Danie Hassman) Didier, brother Michael (Linda) Luetzow, sister Janice (David) Conway, grandchildren Rae Fox, Sophia Didier, Camryn Christman, Avery Didier, Miette Didier and Wren Didier and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Luetzow, mother Lorraine Luetzow (nee Dornbach) and brother Arthur Luetzow.

JoAnn faced a long battle with Alzheimer’s and struggled in the beginning of her decline with worrying about her future care being too much for her family. Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to those who helped JoAnn and Jerry through the years, from in-home caregivers to the amazing staff at Hamilton House Senior Living for their care and guidance.

A special thank you to JoAnn’s niece and goddaughter Sally Vincevineus and JoAnn’s two “co-grandmas,” Glenda Nagel and Jacquie Ketten, who made sure to provide regular family and grandchild updates along with being loving and familiar visitors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Thank you for your love and support.