Joan (Lukes) Ronca, (84), died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, November 4th, 2022 at Water’s Edge Hospice Center in Hayward, WI.

Joan was born in Hayward, WI to Leo and Mary Lukes on January 24, 1938. Joan attended Hayward High School, graduating in 1955. She then attended St. Scholastica College in Duluth, MN for a year before transferring to University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire to pursue an Art degree. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959.

Joan married Jim Ronca in August of 1961. They moved to Medford, WI. In Medford, Joan gave birth to her three sons, Mike, John and Bob. Joan stayed home to raise her sons while Jim taught and coached at Medford High School. The family moved to Neenah, WI., in 1967. After one year, the Ronca family moved to Stoughton, WI. Joan taught high school art in Stoughton from 1968-1974, and Jim was Middle School Asst. Principal. The family then moved to Mosinee, WI. Joan sub-taught at the Middle School in Mosinee, while Jim was the Middle School Principal until retirement in 1993.

“Grandam Joan” was beloved by everyone she met. She loved to cook for her son's college buddies who would come to visit, and she became famous in these boy’s lives because she took the time to build relationships with all of them. Joan loved to entertain people along with her husband “Jimbo”. Together, they threw wonderful Holiday parties in their home for the Middle School staff each year. Joan also loved to teach and share her art with her children and grandchildren. Teaching art lessons was her favorite thing to do. She was an incredibly talented painter and has created many cherished art pieces. Joan was also a storyteller. She could go on for hours re-telling the same stories and throwing in a few added embellishments over the years.

Joan deeply loved her grandchildren, and her daughters-in-law. She wasn’t shy to share her opinion whether it was asked for…or not. But, they all knew the opinions were coming from a caring and loving place. Joan was a very proud wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law. In 1992, Joan and Jimbo purchased a lake home on Sand Lake, WI, near the town of Stone Lake. Joan’s sister, Mary Leon Edwards, and her family also own a home on Sand Lake. Many fabulous gatherings were spent with the Edwards family between the two lake homes. Many other friends and family had the opportunity to hang out “Up North” with the Ronca’s to share in the peace and serenity of their wonderful lake home. Tremendous memories were made and many laughs were had on Sand Lake.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Mary (Repko) Lukes and husband, James Ronca.

Joan is survived by her sons, Mike (Pam) Ronca, Dousman, WI, John (Lisa) Ronca, Huxley, IA, and Bob (Lois) Ronca, FonDuLac, WI.; Grandchildren, Tyler, Kamryn, Bryanne, Jensyn and Mykaela. and sister, Maryleon (Lukes) Edwards, brother-in-law, Verlan Edwards and nephews, Brian and Chris Edwards.

Visitation and Funeral service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 10586 N. Dakota Ave. Hayward, WI., on Saturday, December 3rd. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the Mass at 11:00 am.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association: http://www.apdaparkinson.org/

Last Update: Nov 07, 2022 6:26 pm CST