Joan E. Brouillard

Joan Elizabeth Brouillard (nee Krueger), age 88 of Appleton, WI was born to her eternal life on June 8, 2024. She was born to Edwin and Gerda (Leisering) Krueger on May 18, 1936 in Appleton, WI. She graduated from Appleton High School and took some additional training to become a CNA. She dedicated her entire career at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. As a CNA, she selflessly helped to ensure thousands of people received the care they needed for over 40 years, retiring in 2008. Joan married the love of her life, John “Jack” Brouillard in October of 1955 and together, they lovingly raised their two children, Robert and Patricia.

Joan was a truly altruistic and compassionate person, not just as a CNA, but in her personal life as well. She was the type of person to take care of anyone for whatever they needed. Joan was an animal lover and nurtured the strays that always seemed to find their way into her life. Her love for the four-legged animals did not stop with cats and dogs; she felt a special bond with all horses and was always in awe of their beauty. Joan had a proclivity for gardening and spent a large part of her retirement tending to her beautiful garden which consisted of a wide species of flowers with many different hues of pink as that was her favorite color. Cardinals were her favorite birds to watch for, next to geese, while relaxing in her garden. More than anything, though, she cherished every moment she could spend with her family. She was so proud of the many generations of children she helped to raise and the legacy they forge for her in the future.

Joan will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Ryan Brouillard, Aaron (Carla) Brouillard, Anna Wonser, Jarrett (Lynn) Ward, and Justin Ward; her great-grandchildren, Michael Brouillard, Sara Brouillard, Maxwell Ward, Samuel Ward, and Riley Ward; her sibling, Jeffrey Krueger; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

In heaven, Joan rejoins her husband, John “Jack” Brouillard; her children, Robert Brouillard and Patricia Wonser-Brouillard; and her siblings, Gretchen Krueger, Thomas Krueger, and John Krueger.

A funeral visitation will be held for Joan from 9 AM – 12 PM on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 12 PM. Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband, Jack, at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, WI following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal rescue in Joan’s honor.

Joan’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the nursing team, doctors, and other supporting staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their care and compassion shown to Joan as a patient, former coworker, and friend.