Joanne Aken

Joanne was born on November 9, 1936, in Moorehead, MN. The fourth of six girls, she was a tom boy who loved to hunt, fish, and play sports.

She met her late husband, Robert "Bob" Aken of Couderay, WI, when she defeated him in a leg-wrestling match. A physical education teacher, Joanne taught in the Rice Lake School District for more than 30 years.

Joanne played fast-pitch softball well in to her 50's in a league she helped start in 1964. She and Bob built a golf course near Couderay in 1984 which she helped operate until it was sold in 2000. Joanne remained an avid participant of the ladies league until her death.

A beloved mother and grandmother, Joanne is survived by her partner Ben Clements of Exeland; sons Rocky of Stanley and Dennis (Judy) of Thorp; daughter Vicki of Nairobi; granddaughters Nikki and Emily; grandsons Jason and Tyler; and sisters Bonnie, Ruth, Beverly, and Laura.

She is preceded in death by her parents Muriel and Lawrence "Doc" Baugh; daughter Judy; husband Robert; and sister Phyllis.

A Celebration of Joanne's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the Couderay Riverside Golf Course in Radisson, WI.