Joan E. Stephenson

Joan Ellen Stephenson, age 76, passed away peacefully May 3, 2021 due to a rare form of liver disease in Sayner, WI, formally of Seneca, WI. She was born December 6th, 1944 in Park Ridge, Illinois to Earl and Ruth Beard. She met the love of her life at Illinois State University and married, Larry Eugene Stephenson, on August 13, 1966. Joan received a teaching degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from UW LaCrosse. Joan was a teacher for many years. She was an English, reading, and special education teacher. Over the years, she helped many students and she really enjoyed helping each of her students better themselves. Joan was a very caring, generous and thoughtful person who looked for the best in everyone. She enjoyed family vacations and collecting seashells on the beach. Joan’s love of nature was one of a kind. She loved all the animals of her forest. She fed all of them except the fisher (Dark Vander). She had a name and special place in her heart for each of them: 3 paws, growler, Bruno and her little buddy the pine squirrel will miss her. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Larry. Much loved mother of Susan (John) Dyke and David (Julie) Stephenson. Cherished grandmother of John, Christopher, Jessica, Andrew, and Daniel. She is survived by her dear sister, Marilyn Hurbanis and brother-in-law, Chuck (Karen) Stephenson. Remembered by her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Ruth Beard, brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Barb) Beard and father and mother-in-law, Vincent (Evelyn) Stephenson and brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Karen) Stephenson. Joan loved eagles and one of her favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 40:31 — “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Please join us celebrating her life, starting with visitation May 15, 2021 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Shepherd of Lakes, 2903 Highway 155 Sayner, WI 54560. The service will follow at 2:00 PM and committal will be at Sayner, WI cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.bolgerfuneral.com

Joan E. Stephenson

December 6, 1944 - May 3, 2021