Joanne M. Morrin, 83, of Shawano, was welcomed home into the awaiting arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Dec. 29, 2016, surrounded by her daughters and sister after a very courageous battle with dementia. She was born on Aug. 26, 1933, in Shawano to the late Ruebin and Lucille (Schmeisser) Umland.
Joanne attended St. James Lutheran Grade School and was a proud member of the Shawano High School graduating Class of 1951. After high school, Joanne attended the Electronic Radio and Television Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, where she graduated with a certification in airline personnel training. She was later employed at the Marathon Corporation in Menasha, where she worked until marrying her husband, Michael Morrin, in Menominee, Michigan, on March 22, 1958. After her daughters were grown, she returned to work as an administrative assistant at AMPI-Foremost Farms, both in Shawano and Appleton, for 22 years.
Joanne was a wonderful cook and baker. Her homemade cinnamon rolls will be missed by many. She also loved to create special holiday events and Kodak moments for her family and friends, especially at
Christmas and on the Fourth of July. She had an incredible way of connecting and building relationships with a wide variety of people. She demonstrated this gift in the planning of numerous high school class reunions. This summer was the first reunion that she was unable to attend or help plan in 65 years.
Joanne was a faithful member of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano, where she enjoyed attending Bible class and serving her Lord as a member of the Stephen Ministry Team. She also served for many terms as the directress of the St. James Altar Guild, where she assisted with preparing and decorating the church for worship and special events, and encouraging other young women of the church to uphold the Lutheran traditions that were near and dear to her heart. However, her greatest love was being a Christian wife and mother, which is a wonderful legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of her beloved family.
Joanne is survived by her precious daughters, Suzanne (Gary) Ritter and Debra (Scott) Downs, both of Shawano, along with her treasured grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Fenn, Michael Lemke, Lance Ritter and Lucas Downs; cherished great-grandchildren, Jack and Jedidiah Boerger; dear brother and sisters, Richard (Jacquelyn) Umland, Mary (Arthur) Schabow and Jean Umland, and sister-in-law, Mary Umland; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Michael; her parents; and brother, Fredrick Umland.
A Celebration of Life Service for Joanne will be held on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at 2 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Timm Griffin officiating. Interment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from noon until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for St. James Lutheran Church and School has been established.
Mickelson Funeral Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to both the staff of Pine Manor Healthcare of Embarrass and Southern Care Hospice for the love, support, and wonderful care that they provided to Joanne and also to the entire family.