JoAnne Patricia Nehls

JoAnne Patricia Nehls passed away peacefully on Monday December 16, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. JoAnne was born April 12, 1945 in Milwaukee, WI; the daughter of John and Patricia Wintheiser. She graduated from Bay View High School in 1963 and from Columbia College of Nursing in 1966. While working at her first job as a RN in Madison, WI, she met Darwin “Ben” Nehls. They were married February 25, 1967 and celebrated 57 years of marriage. She and Ben raised their family in Waunakee before residing on Kusel Lake in the Wild Rose area.

Her kind and caring nature made working as a nurse a great fit. She spent her career helping others as a RN in places including Mendota Mental Health Institute, the Jackson Clinic, Vennebu Center, and the Waunakee Manor. She also worked with employees at Kraft Foods and clients at Corvel as an Occupation Health RN.

When she decided to step away from nursing to dedicate more time to her family, her creativity with a keen attention to detail truly flourished. She became a fixture at her children’s elementary school serving many years as a dedicated and enthusiastic “classroom Mother” and field trip chaperone. She sewed and created impeccable Halloween costumes, doll clothes, and even holiday dresses for her girls (while they were young and tolerated the matching outfits). She knitted and crocheted many blankets and baby gifts she lovingly gave to others. She amazingly baked dozens of types of Christmas cookies that were almost too beautiful to eat.

We hold dear many fond memories of summers spent on John’s Lake, vacations at the beach, all the holidays where her thoughtfulness and generosity overflowed, and the time she spent adoringly spoiling her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Ben; children Teri Nehls, Craig Nehls, Amy (Pete Cortright) Nehls and Sara (Brad) Kirch; grandchildren Elise and Audrey Cortright, Mason and Sawyer Kirch; brother Jay (Helen) Wintheiser; brother-in-law Jim Nehls; nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Kevin, in-laws Karl and Angeline Nehls, and sisters-in-law Judy Will and Elaine Nehls.

Per JoAnne’s request, no services will be held at this time. Arrangements are pending for a Celebration of Life in the springtime. Online condolences may be at www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.