Joan Grosinske

Joan Mary Grosinske, 91, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry in Whitewater.

Joan was born in Wisconsin Rapids on December 4, 1932 to Edwin and Gertrude (Sauter) Zenisek.  She graduated from Neenah High School.  While working at AC Sparkplug in Milwaukee, she was introduced to the love of her life Don Grosinske by her sister and brother-In-law.  They were married on June 13, 1959 in Neenah, WI. 

The most important aspect of Joan’s life was her family and being the #1 fan for every event or activity they were involved in.  She and Don provided a loving home full of joy and laughter.  She had a servant’s heart that extended throughout the community. Joan served as part of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, chaired the Hope Scholarship Committee at Whitewater High School, faithfully worked the polls for the city of Whitewater, served St. Patrick’s Church and gave her time at two elementary schools in Whitewater. Joan kept the books for Standard Oil Company, the family-owned Coast-to-Coast Hardware store, and Neltomlin at Nelson’s Bus Company.   She also enjoyed traveling around the U.S.  Joan and Don built a legacy for their family by constructing a cottage along the shores of Plummer Lake in Vilas County.  She loved spending time with everyone enjoying the Northwoods. Joan joined Don in heaven and now can be Up North all of the time.

Joan is survived by her children, Kay Grosinske (Converse, TX), Beth Chase (Whitewater), Sue (Dean) O’Gorman (Nashotah, WI) and Tom (Nicole) Grosinske (Whitewater).  Also her grandchildren, Clyde (Colleen) Chase, Jessica (Jared) Ryan, Lindsay (Nick) Eiden, Matthew O’Gorman, Andrew O’Gorman, Abby Grosinske, Brock Grosinske and Calli Grosinske along with 4 great-grandchildren, Cecily, Charlotte, Chloe, and Lincoln.  She is also survived by her sister Patricia Philipsen, sister-in-law Joan Zenisek, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Don Grosinske, (brothers) Robert, Carl (Alice), Richard and John (Sandy) Zenisek, (brother-in-law) William Philipsen, along with her mother and father.

A memorial mass will take place at 11AM on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A visitation will take place from 9AM until the time of mass.  A private inurnment will take place immediately following mass at Calvary Cemetery. 

Guests are invited to attend mass virtually by visiting: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f24086775287953

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s name to Mulberry Glen. 

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at both Mulberry Glen and Glenwood at Mulberry in Whitewater along with Agrace Hospice.