Joni Bifano

Joan Rose Schnorr Bifano, also known as Joni B, made a peaceful journey into eternity surrounded by her six children. She finally got to see her “pearl of great value” as she gazed at Jesus’s face on September 2, 2026—just shy of her 96th birthday this October.

The name Joan means "Graced by God." God truly showed Joni His amazing grace by weaving His sweet, kind, gentle spirit and generous heart into her character.

Joni was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and moved to Kohler, Wisconsin, as a young girl, where she spent all her years until she married her soulmate and friend, Joe. Joni was not only very brilliant, being noticed by the principal as someone who could accomplish anything, but also very gifted as a vocalist. From a young age, she sang for friends and family. Then, in school, she surprised her music instructor one day when the teacher pulled her aside to hear her voice up close. The teacher was stunned that Joni could pick out any harmony with her beautiful songbird voice. In high school, Joni joined a trio, and many organizations sought out her talents. After raising their younger children, Joni, a star vocalist, joined Joe in his band. Together, they entertained as a jazz group at weddings, parties, Bar Mitzvahs, nightclubs, and on television. 'Joe and Joni Live' was the headliner for 17 years at Riverdale Country Club in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as well as other clubs around Wisconsin. In their later years, they moved to Hawaii to work full-time as musicians. The music never stopped. After returning to the mainland, Joe and Joni kept playing, but with a deep desire to glorify God, they now served in churches on several worship teams.

Joe and Joni were a perfect match. Everyone who met them noticed how even their clothes matched. The couple met in Sheboygan after Joe returned home from the war, and following a whirlwind courtship, they were united in marriage on October 14, 1950. Together, they built homes in Sheboygan, Black River, Sheboygan Falls, Kohler, Honolulu, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, and settled in Jacksonville.

After high school, Joni, who was graced with a loving and giving heart, initially considered entering the convent out of a deep desire to serve Jesus. However, after meeting Joe and seeking counsel from a priest, she was reminded that faithful wives and mothers serve an equally vital calling in God's world. God fulfilled her heart's desire to serve Him by allowing her to nurture her six precious children in so many ways. Joni was an exceptional homemaker with abundant practical skills, resourcefulness, and a gift for creating a warm, beautiful home. Joni managed a household budget, sewed and mended with care, prepared nutritious meals long before it became a trend, and baked delicious desserts. A gifted writer, she could craft incredible poems that her family often received in special cards. She also loved to spend quiet time praying, reading her Bible, and journaling her thoughts. Beyond her home, she found delight in all the Creator’s gifts that filled her world: the lakes, the streams, the trees, the skies, and little creatures great and small. Joni’s days were filled with laughter, love, joy, peace, contentment, and pouring her wisdom into her children's lives. She loved her family immensely. Hearing from any one of her children, grandchildren, or bonus children filled her heart. She often talked about God’s assignments and knew that her most important “assignment” was to pass along her deep faith to her descendants, so that they too would know and love her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, as deeply as she did. Joni’s love extended to others, too. She was known as someone happy, silly at times, energetic, extremely perceptive, contented, kind, desiring never to let a harsh word come out of her mouth, and was a momma and example to so many, even up to her last days on this earth. It is hard to sum up Joni in a few words, as we think she was the most beautiful mother in the whole world.

Joan’s legacy of faith and family lives on through her surviving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Son, Joe Bifano of Jacksonville, Florida; Son, Jim Bifano (Shukwai) of Nekoosa, Wisconsin; granddaughter, Sarah Stroy (Matt) and great-grandchildren, Lily, Pearl, and Theo; granddaughter, Lisa Bifano (Sam) and great-grandchild, Dean; grandson, Nicholas Bifano, and great-grandchildren Jamarion, Ja’nayah, Jamarco, and grandson, Simon Bifano; Daughter, Mary Bifano Dekker (Dave) of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; grandson, Trenton Dekker (Denise); grandson, Davey Joe Dekker; and granddaughter, April Leffingwell (Jason) and great-grandchildren, Ellianna and Elijah. Daughter, Chrissy Bifano Larson Leonhardt (Larry) of Melrose, Florida; grandson, Jeremy (Ericka) Larson; grandson, James Larson (Angela) and great-grandchildren, Maggie and Ben; granddaughter, Joanna Jones (Forrest) and great-grandchild, Theo; grandson, Garrett Larson and granddaughter, Lily Larson. Daughter, Cathi Bifano Wilcox (Milt) of Jacksonville, Florida. Daughter, CeCe Bifano Cummings (Spencer) of Jacksonville, Florida; and grandchildren, Carter, Reese, and Audrey.

Joni also held a special place in her heart for her many beloved nieces, nephews, bonus-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loving caregivers.

She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Joseph Bifano; her parents, Frederick and Rose (Manthey) Schnorr; her brother, Frederick Schnorr; and her father and mother-in-law, Luigi and Angelina (Saporito) Bifano, along with so many others who have gone before her.

1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

…And mother, now that you are face to face with Jesus, listen to His Words:

Matthew 25:23: “And the Master said, ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”

When asked what the secret to her joyful spirit was, Joni would always answer, “The secret is Jesus. He is my Joy.” And a J-O-Y-F-U-L life is what Joan Rose Bifano lived!

A Funeral Service will be held at Ortega Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210, US, on September 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.