Joanne L. Bley

Joanne L. Bley entered into Eternal Life on Thursday, April 18, 2024. She was 85 years old.

Joanne was born on Sept. 12, 1938, in the Town of Merton, Wis., to parents Lawrence and Olive (nee Schmidt) Watry.

She graduated from Port Washington High School.

Later Joanne worked for Krier Preserving Co., where she met the love of her life. Richard and Joanne were united in marriage on July 2, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church.

While raising seven children, Joanne worked at Allen Edmonds.

Joanne had a passion for collecting clowns and playing sheepshead. Joanne and Richard enjoyed their trips to Green Bay and Las Vegas. Above all, she loved spending time with her family.

Joanne was a member of the Belgium Legion Post 412 Auxiliary and the Christian Mothers.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband Richard “Steve” and children Doug, Tom (Jody), Barb (Wayne) Paulus, Jeff (Jane), Debra (Doug) Wright, Michael and Michelle (Randy) Mueller. She is further survived by 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Joanne is also survived by siblings Tom (Rosie) Watry, Clara Koepp, Bill (Linda) Watry, Phillip (Betty) Watry, Anne (Steve) Burress and Joe (Ann) Watry, sisters-in-law Kathy Watry and Barb Watry, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Caleb Mueller and siblings Laurene (Bill) Klas, Charles Watry, George (Karen) Watry and Christopher Watry.

A memorial service for Joanne will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at Eernisse Funeral Home in Belgium, Wis., 171 N. Royal Ave. The family will receive visitors from 3 p.m. until the service at 6 p.m. Father Patrick Wendt will preside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to the staff at Belgium Gardens and other charities.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Belgium Gardens for their compassion and care for Joanne and her family.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.