With deep sadness we announce the passing of Joanne W. Williams, 78, of Kenosha. Joanne was a beloved wife, mother, sister, “Grammy,” “Auntie Jo,” and friend who left this world peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.
Joanne was born Wieslawa Janina Michalski in Lingen, Germany on October 21, 1946, to Jan and Marianna (Michnacki) Michalski. The family immigrated to the United States when “Wiesha” was 5 years old. A nun at St. Casimir Catholic School gave her the English name “Joanne” in first grade. She kept Wieslawa as her middle name, though the family joked that the “W” stood for Worry.
Joanne graduated from St. Casimir Catholic School and St. Joseph High School in Kenosha. She attended UW-Parkside before leaving to work for Hamilton Beach as a keypunch operator. In 1970, she married Gerald D. “Jerry” Williams, also of Kenosha. They made a home, raised a family, and shared adventures with their kids and later just the two of them–bicycling, camping, and traveling to 49 of the 50 States (missing only Hawaii).
Joanne worked in various part-time jobs over the years, but her real profession was Mom. She would do anything for her kids. She was a fantastic cook and baker, and she loved to create things with her hands–from macrame (remember that?) to latchhook rugs, to flower arranging, tatting, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and more. She sewed wedding dresses for her sister and sister-in-law, and costumes for her children and for St. Joe’s musicals.
Everything Joanne turned her hand to was made more beautiful by her creative touch, and she loved to make things that made other people happy. Her afghans crocheted with her signature “popcorn stitch” are cherished by all those who have been the lucky recipients of one. Her crocheted snowflakes adorn many Christmas trees. Whatever dessert she brought to any gathering was always the first to disappear.
Joanne is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Jerry Williams, her “favorite son”, John and “favorite daughter”, Christina; her brother, Jan (Diane) Michalski; her sister, Christina Proko; her grandchildren, Lydia, Anna, and Thomas, and many other relatives and friends.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Jan and Marianna Michalski, and her baby sister, Irena.
If you wish to honor Joanne’s memory, her family encourages you to create something with your own hands and give it to someone you love, or to someone who could use some comfort, cheer, or encouragement. Joanne always tried to make people feel better and special with gifts–often handmade–and she would love for that legacy to be carried forward. Top of Form
Service Date April 30, 2025
SERVICE LOCATION St. Mary Catholic Church
A visitation for Joanne will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until the Time of Sharing at 6:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
A second visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7400 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
Interment will follow in St. Casimir Cemetery.
