Joanne Zillmer, age 87, a long-time resident of Danbury, Wisconsin, died on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at Essentia St. Mary’s in Duluth, Minnesota, after a brief illness.
Joanne was born on Sept. 22, 1937, at home on the family farm just outside of Clam Falls, Wisconsin, to parents Earl and Oline (Hill) Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Clam Falls Lutheran Church where generations of her family had attended. She grew up on the family farm and walked just up and over the hill to attend Rocky Ridge Grade School. She then attended and graduated from Frederic High School in 1955. While roller-skating in Lewis, Wisconsin, in 1953, she met Ed Zillmer of Danbury. They dated for about a year and were married on Aug. 28, 1954, at the Clam Falls Lutheran Church. The couple then made their home on the farm that Ed had bought from his parents and lived their entire lives there. After moving to Danbury, Joanne farmed with Ed and became a member of the Danbury Methodist Church, where she was active throughout her life. She taught Sunday School for 12 years, was one of the church’s organists for many years, and also served on the church board and several other positions in the church. Joanne was also a founding member of the Wild Rivers Saddle Club, a member of the Pansy Homemakers Club, 4-H leader, and a treasurer for the Pansy School. During the 1970s and 1980s, Joanne became an EMT and served on the Danbury ambulance for many years, worked as a waitress at the Village Inn in Danbury, was a clerk at Wayne’s grocery store, was the Town of Swiss Clerk for two terms, and served many years on the Town of Swiss Election Board. Joanne was also very active with Ruby’s Pantry in Danbury for many years.
Joanne is survived by her daughters, Linda (Terry) Nelson and Robin (Jim) Shabert; grandchildren, Marcus (Maria) Nelson, Rindy (Aaron) Hughes, Michael (Melissa) Shabert and Brian (Milena) Shabert; great grandchildren, Tristan Nelson, Gabriela Nelson and Brynn Shabert; brother, Roger (Gretchen) Johnson; and several nieces, nephews and other family.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Zillmer; parents, Earl and Oline Johnson; and brothers, Orval, Jon and Richard Johnson.
Funeral services for Joanne will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m., at the Danbury United Methodist Church, with visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be at the Swiss Cemetery.
Online memories and or condolences may be left at bratley-nelsonchapels.com
