Joan Sansburn

Joan Carolyn Sansburn, 75, longtime resident of Minocqua, died peacefully with her family surrounding her on July 30, 2010. Joan was born July 6, 1935, in Rhinelander, WI, to Gertrude and Orin Leonard Dobbe. She graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1953. On November 12, 1955 she was united in marriage to Glenn C. "Jim" Sansburn and spent their first two years of marriage in Alaska. They then returned to the Minocqua area in 1957 and have remained members of the community ever since. Joan was an accomplished figure skater and participated in bowling leagues during her younger years. She had a passion for cooking, gardening and spending countless days at the lake with her family. Her sense of adventure was fullfilled later in life through many wonderful trips with her husband. Joan was involved with volunteer work throughout her life with the school, church, and community. Some of her services included the American Red Cross (Chairman), the American Cancer Society (Co Chairman), and most recently recognized for 40 years of service with the Auxillary of Howard Young Medical Center. She was employed as an office administrator for Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance (Thrivent) until she retired. Joan is survived by her loving and devoted husband, "Jim", of 54 years, daughter Linda (Samuel) Rose of Hudson, WI, son, Glenn (Kathy) Sansburn of Plymouth, MN, son, Mike Sansburn of Green Bay, WI, and daughter Elizabeth (Rafael) Lainez, of Austin, TX; her eight grandchildren, Katie, Corey and Emily Rose, Ryan and Jason Sansburn, Matthew Sansburn, Marc and Megan Lainez and one great-grandchild Zelli Teagan Moore. Also surviving is her sister Ruth O'Melia, Wichita, KS, and her twin sister Jean (Tom) Lawrence, Crandon, WI, as well as many loving and caring nieces, nephews, and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Dorothy Sorensen and Beverly Kleppe Sorensen, and a brother, Lloyd Dobbe. There will be a Memorial Service at Ascension Lutheran Church on August 6th, 2010, at 2:30pm, with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be immediately following at the Ascension Lutheran Columbarium. Joan requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Seasons of Life Hospice House, P.O. Box 770, Woodruff, Wi, 54568, or Ascension Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 940, Minocqua, WI, 54548.

Joan Sansburn

July 6, 1935 - July 30, 2010