Joan Marie Winterhoff

On August 20, 2025, Joan Marie Winterhoff passed away peacefully from this life at the age of 87 at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, WI.

Born to Howard and Dorothy Heberlein on April 8, 1938 she was the fourth child and only girl. Her brothers were Bob, Jim, Jack- all preceded her in death.

Joan grew up loving sports and outdoor activities of all kinds. She once played softball for the women Marines and golf became her sport of later life.

Joan joined the Navy upon graduation from high school. She became a corpswave. The Navy sent her to Ohio State University where upon graduation in 1962 she became a Navy Nurse advancing to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1965 she married Commander Norman Winterhoff of the Chaplin Corps and traveled with Norm to California and Iceland, and Illinois before he retired from the Navy.

She spent her civilian nursing career at the Bump Clinic in Rhinelander, taught at Nicolet College, served 10 years at Aspirus Hospital in obstetrics, and 10 years as a parish nurse for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wausau, WI.

Norm passed away in 2020. He spent an extensive time in the nursing home and passed with dementia and COVID.

Joan's spiritual life was nourished through her church and through her ecumenical religious experiences. She loved reading books of all faiths written by the Spiritual Masters. Joan was a graduate of the ELCA Lay Ministry which was a 2 year program.

Joan & Norm had no children but were foster parents to 3 canines all who were wonderful companions. Joan also lovingly cared for her cat, Penny in her later years.

Joan & Norm were married 55 wonderful years in 2020.

Joan is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews from both sides.

Joan was most grateful for her close friends who completed life and brought great joy to her later years. "Thank you especially my Craniac friend."

Special mention is given to Jan (David) Carlson, Katie (Mark) Sattler of Indianapolis for their loving care and attention and to Julie (Rob) Reveley of Florida for the joy, excitement and loving nature of their being.

"To my dear friend Arzelee Drown, thank you for the memories and education together. We shared much joy! I will always be grateful for Sue Soriano and Dixie Burk for their unending support of both Norm and I. Without my neighbors Paul and Val Buch I would not have been able to live in my home. God Bless you all!"

A memorial service will be held on September 2, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Restlawn Memorial Park, 235962 N Troy Street, Wausau, WI. Military honors and burial will follow at the grave space site.