Joan Sophie Held

Joan (known to many as Joann or Joanie) was born to Hattie (Soczka) and Joseph Nowacki in Corning township (west of Merrill, WI) on January 15, 1936. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to a farm in Rietbrock township where she grew up. She attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Athens High School.

She was married to Robert F. Held on June 24, 1954 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, WI. During their 50 years of marriage, Robert’s career saw them living in Rockford, IL, Madison, WI, Columbia, SC and finally putting down roots in Columbus, OH where they resided for 34 years. After raising her sons, she returned to the workforce for a number of years and retired from Nationwide Insurance. She was an active member of the choir at St. Anthony Church in Columbus. A lifelong music lover, she learned to play piano in her later years and always got a kick out of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. After Robert’s passing in 2005, Joan returned to Marathon county, moving to Mosinee in 2007 to continue her retirement.

Joan leaves behind two loving sons, Robert (Jean) Mesa, AZ and Kevin of Mosinee, WI. Three grandchildren: Mindy (Cliff) Erickson, Mankato, MN, Erik (Cara) Held Groveland, MA and Michael (Katherine) Held, Champlin, MN; and five great-grandchildren. Siblings surviving her are: brothers, Dennis (Susan) Nowacki, Larry (Emma) Nowacki and sister Isabell Aschbrenner.

Preceding her in death in addition to her husband were her parents, two adult brothers and three siblings who died as children.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Aspirus Hospice for the care, comfort, guidance and encouragement they provided to Joan and son Kevin, who cared for her through the duration of her illness.

Visitation was held Monday April 1st, 2024 from 4-6 pm, ending with a prayer service which commenced immediately thereafter. Fr. Aaron Becker, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, celebrant. Beste Funeral Home Mosinee, WI hosted the proceedings.

Final arrangements are being handled by Schoedinger Funeral Home, Worthington, OH. Funeral Mass, Friday April 12th 2024 at the Chapel, Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH, 11:00 AM. Committal will follow immediately thereafter with interment next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, https://pancan.org/