Joan Marguerite Wildman went to her heavenly home on February 6, 2025, at the age of 87.
She was born on February 27, 1937, to the late Stella and Paul Kortum of Kenosha, WI.
In 1955, she graduated from Kenosha High School and enlisted in the US Air Force, where she trained as a weather observer. Joan loved military life, and in time came to love an airman named Joe, an equipment repairman with an imaginary dog that followed him around the base. She thought he was silly, but she married him anyway and they spent 64 years together.
They raised three children, Cheryl (Terry) Rusch of Muskego, WI, David (Shelly) Wildman of Kenosha, WI, and Scott (Karen) Wildman of Pewaukee, WI. Joan was the beloved Nana of Taylor and Courtney Wildman of Kenosha,WI, Noah Rusch of Madison, WI, Grace (Jane Sycks) Rusch of New York City, Joshua Wildman of St. Louis, MO, and Matthew Wildman of New York City. She also enjoyed her grand-dogs, Ollie, Tink and Chief, as well as her grand-cats Mr. Wally Bear, Pounce, Cali and Chico.
Joan had a lifelong love of all things skyward and a keen sense of adventure. She would often point out cloud formations and constellations and kept a close eye on the weather. The NASA moon launches were an event, with the kids skipping school to cheer the liftoff and make Moon Brownies to celebrate. When she decided that we needed to see more of the USA, we acquired a camper and off we went. One Christmas day in Tucson, she allowed us to swim in the outdoor pool despite the rare flakes of snow in the air. She knew that the memories would last forever. She taught us that a sense of adventure and passion were things to be cherished and kept for a lifetime, not just in your youth.
Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and she never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, going to movies, dying Easter Eggs, playing games, reading and of course, making cookies. Because she had an abundance of love and a generous heart, she also served as the Neighborhood Grandma to many children lucky enough to live near her.
Joan was a great cook and loved to experiment with recipes and bake breads. She volunteered at the soup kitchen and delivered Meals on Wheels, each with a hug. An accomplished seamstress, she made many lovely pieces of clothing for herself and her family. She completed 19 quilt toppers with the St. Mary’s Lutheran Church quilting group, enjoying every minute of it. She thanks her quilting group for their friendship and cards, as well as her lunch and Coffee Klatch friends from her early days in Kenosha.
Joan is reunited with her husband, her parents and brother, George Kortum, and her sweet granddaughter, Brittney Wildman.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Full Military Honors will follow. Private interment will be held in Green Ridge Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, can be sent to the family and will be used for donations to charities in Mom’s name, such as wildlife conservation and veterans’ programs.
