Joan J. Stene Obituary (1935 - 2013)

Joan J. Greeley-Stene, age 77 of Menomonie, WI. died, Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health Center – Eau Claire, WI. She was born August 5, 1935 in Louisville, Dunn County, Wisconsin to Ernest and Jessie (Leach) Scheel. She attended Louisville School until the middle of the fourth grade when they moved to Menomonie. She attended Menomonie Schools and graduated High School in 1953. She married Thomas P. Greeley in 1954. To this union four children were born. Thomas died in 1975. In 1969 she received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from Eau Claire. She worked at Memorial Hospital as a Nursing Assistant prior to graduating. In 1973, she was diagnosed with M.S. In 1976. Joan worked at The American Lutheran Home which she enjoyed so very much. Due to a relapse of the M.S. she retired in 1981. She continued her contact with the Home as President Of The American Lutheran Home Auxillary from 1982 to 2013. Joan was also president of a special group called, "Friends Helping Friends." The Greatest Joy in her life were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family were the blessings only God could grant. Joan loved family gatherings, especially holidays. After many years of being alone, she found a special companion and best friend, Elmer Mickelson. Elmer passed away many years ago. God once again granted her the happiest time of her life when she met and married Robert Stene of Menomonie and she spent the past six years happier than ever. She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" of Menomonie; children, Pat Greeley of Menomonie, Mike Greeley of Lake Hallie, Timothy John (JoAnn) Greeley of Ellsworth, Mary (Ron) Wampler of Eau Claire, Scott (Nancy) Stene of Eau Claire, Todd (Angie) Stene of Menomonie, LeAnn Harrison of Eau Claire and Joni (Tom) Buege of Lake Elmo, MN; one sister, Virginia "Midge" Larrabee; 24 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest & Jessie (Leach) Scheel; 1st husband, Thomas Greeley; one grandson, Tommy Brinkman; and two brothers, Waldo and Norman Scheel. A Funeral Mass will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Menomonie with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Burial will follow the service at Peace Cemetery in Menomonie. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and also one hour prior to the mass at the church. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.