Joanne E. Pasch, 88, of Elroy passed away Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Crest View Nursing Home in New Lisbon.
She was born Aug. 3, 1937, to Paul and Glenn (Tompkins) Zirk on the family farm in the Township of Glendale. She was baptized in September of that year at St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Church and was later confirmed there as well. Joanne was a member of the Kendall High School graduating class of 1956. She later obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate at Western Wisconsin Technical College on May 18, 1994.
On Nov. 29, 1958, Joanne was united in marriage to Junior G. Pasch on the family farm. He preceded her in death on Sept. 23, 2000. As a wife, mother and homemaker, aside from raising her family, Joanne could often be found outside in her garden, tending to her flowers and vegetables. Throughout the harvest season, she was often found in the kitchen, canning the delicious vegetables she had grown. Her chicken noodle soup, dumplings, potato salad, and salmon patties were some of her signature recipes and were often served for family get-togethers. She also enjoyed “putting miles” on the family car, out visiting family and friends, while taking in the beautiful countryside. Later in life, Joanne enjoyed playing cards, word-search puzzles, and sewing.
She is survived by her children, James Pasch, Frederick (Michelle) Pasch, Donald (Kristan) Pasch, Jeanne (Roland) Jasper, Jayne (David) Stanek, and Janet (John) Gordon; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Rodney Zirk and Carl (Jean) Zirk; and her sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Zirk, Pat Zirk, and Joan Pasch.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Junior, and. her siblings, Robert Zirk, Frieda Peterson, Donald Zirk, Shirley (Dale) Amberg, Stanley (Donna) Zirk, and David Zirk.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 25525 County Hwy. P, Ontario (South Ridge). Pastor Zachary Meier will officiate. Burial will be in the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Wellington.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
