Joanne Margaret Tompkins

Joanne Margaret Tompkins, age 78 of Kimberly, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026 with her family by her side at her Kimberly home. She was born on April 14, 1948 in Fond du Lac, WI, the daughter of the late Vernon and Josephine (Kotkoskie) Chalupa.

Joanne was a 1966 graduate of Kimberly High School. She then spent time working at WI Bell Telephone Company. After her time there, she became a stay-at-home mom, enjoying time outside with her children. She then became a lunch server at Kimberly High School, where she continued to watch her children and friends grow up. Joanne had many hobbies, including making her delicious apple pies and making her beautiful quilts with friends. She enjoyed spending time on her front porch in her favorite rocking chair with family and friends. In her younger days, she enjoyed traveling overseas and in the last few years, enjoyed relaxing vacations to various cottages on Wisconsin lakes. She was able to fulfill a dream of hers and meet her longtime pen pal, Lieve from Belgium, and enjoyed her time here.

Joanne is survived by her husband and best friend of 47 years, Raymond Tompkins; her children, David Retlick, Daniel Retlick (Kristy Warber), Melissa (Michael) Lovelace, and Thomas (Aprill) Tompkins; her grandchildren, Bailee, Sayge, and Leland Warber, Kylie and Camden Lovelace, and Freya Tompkins; her siblings, Vernon “Butch” (Sandy) Chalupa, and Pati (Dick) Merbach; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and dear friends.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Josephine Chalupa; her mother-in-law, Winifred Normandin; and her grandson, Bruce Tompkins.

A funeral visitation will be held for Joanne from 9-11 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2330 E Calumet St, Appleton, WI 54915 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Joanne will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Kaukauna, WI following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Joanne.

Joanne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital, Rennes Rehabilitation, Home Instead, Unity Hospice, and Senior Helpers, especially Lisa for all of the excellent and kind care given to Joanne.