Joan Margaret Wavrunek

Joan Margaret Wavrunek

Joan Margaret Wavrunek, 88, of Marshfield, WI, passed away peacefully  Monday, June 8, 2026, at Stoney River Memory Care in Marshfield.

Joan was born May 14, 1938, in Neillsville, WI, to the late Louis and Agnes (Wegner) Meinholdt. She graduated from Neillsville High School in 1956 and went on to pursue nursing, earning her degree from Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire, WI, in 1960. Following graduation, she completed additional credits in public health nursing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

On September 12, 1964, Joan married Thomas A. Wavrunek at St. Mary’s Church in Neillsville, and the couple later moved to Milwaukee for a short time. After returning to Neillsville, she was employed at Memorial Medical Center as an OR-ER supervisor. She also worked as a nurse in Marshfield, as an assistant at Clark County Public Health, and served as a director of Sunset Nursing Home in Fairchild. Throughout her career, she contributed greatly to the nursing profession, including helping to establish a chapter of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) for central Wisconsin, and was a member of the Luther Hospital Nurses Alumni Association. Joan was also a generous contributor and member of the Clark County Humane Society.

After leaving the nursing profession, she worked part-time at Sniteman Pharmacy before retiring in 1996 due to health reasons.

Joan enjoyed many hobbies, including trips out west to go skiing, being an avid reader and caring for her beloved cats. She also enjoyed canoeing and outings to the cabin on Lake Nemahkagon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, her parents, Louis and Agnes Meinholdt, and her brother, Eugene Meinholdt.

Joan will be remembered for her dedication to nursing, and her love of her cats. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Per Joan’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials in Joan’s name may be directed to the Clark County Humane Society at www.cchs-petshelter.org or CCHS, P.O. Box 127, Neillsville, WI.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Joan’s family with funeral arrangements.