Joanne Speth

Mrs. Joanne Speth of Port Washington passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesus surrounded by her loving family on the morning of Jan. 24, 2026. She was 84 years old.

Joanne was born in Milwaukee on July 8, 1941, the daughter of Clemens and Frances (nee Gollnick) Doberneck.

She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School before graduating from St. John’s Cathedral in 1959. After raising her family she went back to school, earning an associate degree in food service.

On June 3, 1961, Joanne was united in marriage with Richard Speth at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee.  The couple settled in Milwaukee and started their family, moving to Port Washington in 1968. Richard preceded Joanne in death on Oct. 14, 2020.

Raising their seven children was Joanne’s full-time job and the most important part of her life. She took great pride in that and loved every minute with her children! Later, she took on a cook/matron position with the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Department, retiring in 2000 after 20 years of service.

Joanne loved ice skating in her younger years, and throughout her life she made sure to watch every skating program she could, especially the Olympics. Family time spent up north at Post Lake was always high on her list of favorite things to do.

She was an accomplished cross-stitcher and enjoyed sharing her hobby with others. An avid reader, she was always happy to report which books were worth reading and which were not. An excellent cookie maker, she made sure there was always a fresh batch ready to share with her children and grandchildren.

Joanne had a witty sense of humor and loved teasing her sons-in-law. She was the family’s pillar of strength. Her love for them was endless, and they always came first.

Joanne was strong in her Catholic faith and was a longtime member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Jeffrey (Sandy) Speth, Steven (special friend Paulette Belmarce)Speth, Kathryn (Carl) Schowalter, Gary (Amy Jo) Speth, Vicky (Josh) Klebba and Jennifer (Nicholas) Holzer; 12 grandchildren, TJ (Keri), Tony, Jessica (Karac), Brad (Shelby), Ben (Alison), Cathie (Paul), Billy, Annaliese, Erich, Payton, Nolan and Anna; and 13 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Ryder, Roman, Olivia, Kamdyn, Kolton, Landen, Maverick, Aryanna, Lukas, Landyn, Leo and Avie.

She is further survived by sisters Marilyn Anderson and Rita Doberneck, brothers and sisters-in-law Roy (Rita) Speth, Harold (special friend Carolyn Mushall) Speth and Henry (Chris) Speth, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Welcoming her at the gates of heaven were her husband Richard, their son Andrew, grandson Aubrey and brothers and sisters-in-law Carl Anderson, Paul (the late Diane) Speth, Edward Speth, Judith Speth, William Speth, Dorothea (the late Richard) Drewek and Alrene Miske, along with other extended family members who have passed away.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at St. Joseph Parish, 1619 Washington St., Grafton. Father Tim Schumaker will preside over the Mass. The family will receive visitors at the church on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  A eulogy will take place before Mass begins at 1 p.m.

Joanne will be laid to rest beside her husband and son at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington the following day.

If desired, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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