Joanne L. Nordeen

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the peaceful passing of Joanne L. Nordeen, who departed this life on August 8, 2024, at the age of 90. She slipped away quietly, just as she lived—full of grace and dignity, surrounded by her family.

 Born on June 4, 1934 in Dekalb, IL, Joanne L Nordeen (neé Johnson) was a woman of many talents with lots of love for everyone. She met Carl Daniel (Dan) Nordeen at youth church activities in Dekalb, IL. They were married at First Lutheran Church in Dekalb, IL on October 11, 1952. Shortly after they were married Dan served in the Air Force from 1951-1954 and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. During this time Joanne worked as a telephone operator and she and Dan exchanged love letters, which created an amazingly strong, unified bond. It is said behind every successful man is a strong woman who held it all together, and that can certainly be said for Joanne and Dan. 

When Dan returned from his service they moved to Rock Island, IL, the first of 21 moves, where he attended Augustana College and Seminary. They lived in a Children’s Home where they were foster parents to about 20 boys while Dan was in school, one of which- Danny Sprague, stayed with them through his teenage years. It was there where their daughter Marcia was born. Their son Mark was born in Minneapolis during Dan’s seminary internship. After that it was back to Rock Island, IL for more schooling for Dan, and Michael was born. Following that they moved to Shell Lake, WI for Dan's first pastoral call from 1961 – 1966 where their youngest, Marty was born. There, Joanne supported Dan in all of his work at Salem Lutheran Church. From 1966 – 1974 Dan served as the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church of Fort Atkinson, WI, where Joanne continued to support her husband. She was active in the church and community as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She was an avid crafter and involved the whole family in her craft ideas. Probably the most memorable was making pot holders out of sock scraps from a local hosiery factory owned by their dear friends, the Stortz family and demonstrations she gave on how to make sand candles at the Tulimold Gallery, then part of the Fireside Restaurant in Fort Atkinson. In 1974, Dan retired from the ministry and together they opened JoDan’s Pro Hardware Store in Fox Lake, WI. They later moved the store to Hubertus, WI and added a second store in Germantown, WI. The whole family worked in the hardware stores. In the early 80s, the stores were closed and Joanne and Dan became insurance agents and financial planners. In 1989, they returned to Fort Atkinson and were both insurance agents for Lutheran Brotherhood serving Walworth County of Wisconsin. Joanne and Dan developed relationships with their clients by devising long term financial plans for families throughout the area. During that time their two eldest children both lived around the corner with their children, and their lives were filled with lots of family events. Joanne also served on the board of the Evergreen Cemetery.

 Because of Joanne's love of board games and cards, she became an avid card player. She was extremely sharp and fast at playing solitaire, which she taught her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She continued to play cards until a few days before her death.

 Joanne left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. Her life was a testament to the values she held dear: love, family, and faith. She was the cherished wife of the late Dan, who passed away almost 30 years ago. For three decades, she spoke often of her longing to be reunited with him, and we find comfort in knowing they are now together once more, in a place of eternal peace.

 Her legacy lives on through her family, who were the center of her world. Joanne was the beloved mother of four children: Marcia (Ritch) Wachuta of Boscobel, WI; Mark (Julie) Nordeen of Fort Atkinson, WI; Michael Nordeen of Marshfield, WI; Marty (Ann) Nordeen of Van Alstyne, TX. She was the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren and the adoring great-grandmother of 10 great-grandchildren including (in order of birth): Julie M. Birkholz (Radboud Reijn) and children Caius & Alba of Ghent, Belgium; Dan (Amanda) Nordeen and children Landen & Laisha of Eleva, WI; BJ Birkholz and his precious dogs Rogue & Rory of Prairie du Chien, WI; Doug (Amanda Borchardt) Nordeen and children Gianna & son of Wausau, WI; Kimberly (Nick) Carolfi and daughters Aubree & Kensi of Marshfield, WI; Krista Allar and daughter Kailey of Marshfield, WI; Lauren Quillen and children Trenton & Davina of Anna, TX; Spencer McCombs (Fiance Lauren Wilson) of Moorhead, MN; Rachel Quillen (Fiance Bill Watts) of Portland, OR; Holden McCombs and son Braxton of Fort Atkinson, WI; and Alexander Nordeen of Fort Atkinson, WI. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law JoAnn Nordeen of Dekalb, IL and Evelyn Nordeen of Seattle, WA; and 12 nieces and nephews and many dear friends, including Bette Delsarte who was like a daughter to her. She was preceded in death by her husband Dan, her parents Ralph and Mabel Johnson, twin sisters who died at birth, and Danny Sprague, their foster son. 

The family wishes to thank all who have shown their love and support during this time. Though our hearts ache, we find solace in knowing she is finally at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, where they will rest together for all eternity.

 A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, WI. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life. The service will be presided over by Pastor Erik Jelinek and the eulogy will be given by Ross Aden, a former assistant pastor to Joanne’s husband and a dear friend. Should you not be able to attend the funeral, it will also be streamed and recorded. For that information please contact [email protected]. Immediately following the funeral, lunch will be served at Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by the burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Rainbow Hospice Care of Jefferson, WI, Fairhaven Senior Services of Whitewater, WI, or Trinity Lutheran Church of Fort Atkinson, WI, in honor of her giving spirit