Carol Joan Lauer

Carol Joan Lauer (nee Gilbert) of Grafton passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the age of 92.

Carol was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Wrightstown, Wis., to the late William and Patronella “Nellie” (nee Brittnacher) Gilbert and spent most of her childhood growing up on the family dairy farm in Kaukauna, Wis.

Known as “Joanie” to most, she eventually moved to Grafton, Wis., where she raised her three sons.

Early in her career, Joanie achieved her licensed practical nurse degree and worked for the Department of the Army. After raising three sons, she worked at Grafton State Bank for many years as part of their customer support group.

Joanie was very active in the Grafton Women’s Club. She loved bird watching and made the best chili, cutout cookies and apple pie and has passed her love of cooking on to her son Jay. Joanie’s big thrill was to get her hair done and kibbitz with the ladies. She will be missed for her “spitfire” attitude and snappy wit.

Joanie is survived by her two sons, Russ (Debbie) and Jay (Laurie), and her daughter-in-law Chris. She is further survived by her five grandchildren, Michael, Matthew (Sara), Ryan (Tina), Kristin (Brandon) and Brody (Lizzie), and her great-granddaughters Milina and Peyton, as well as nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Joanie was preceded in death by her son Scott, her former husband Jerry, her parents and her four siblings.

A private celebration of life for Joanie will be held at a later date this spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Carol’s name to Harvest Home in Grafton, Wis., Lilly Hospice in Brookfield, Wis., or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton, Wis.

The family wants to thank the staffs of Harvest Home for their wonderful care of our mom over these past years and Lilly Hospice for their compassion, love and support of our family during her final days.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Lauer family.

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