Joan A. Lohberger, age 88 of Waldorf, died peacefully on Saturday afternoon, March 17, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Mankato.
Joan Anna, the daughter of Claus and Gertrude (Hodapp) Hammerstrom, was born on October 26, 1929, in Mankato. Following her graduation from Mankato High School with the class of 1947, Joan was united in marriage to Ralph Schwichtenberg; they later divorced. In 1964, Joan was united in marriage to Gerald “Jerry” Lohberger at the Little Brown Church. They enjoyed attending many dances together, wintering in Alamo, Texas, and spending time with their family and friends.
Joan worked for a few years at the elevator in Waldorf, but her main specialty was making all types of dresses by hand. Over the years, Joan went through a number of sewing machines as she worked to create anything someone would want. She also enjoyed tailoring clothing, crocheting afghans, and spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; son, Terry Schwichtenberg; first husband, Ralph Schwichtenberg; and by her siblings, Kenneth Hammerstrom and Elaine (Robert) Leiferman.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; children, Elaine Witkowski, Ken (Sue) Schwichtenberg, Jim (Diane) Schwichtenberg, and Patti (Paul) Schlaak; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waldorf, with Father Michael Cronin officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Community Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services-Arnoldt Chapel in Janesville, and will continue for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning.
In lieu of flowers, Joan’s family requests memorials be directed to American Diabetes Association, ALS Association, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, or to the donor’s choice in her memory.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.janesvillefuneral.com.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services- Arnoldt Chapel of Janesville.