Joan Carol Stanze, 88, left her earthly body on Dec. 11, 2023.
Joan was the daughter of Lloyd and Dorothy Kuny, born on Sept. 13, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. She had one sibling, Jerome A. Kuny.
Joan grew up in St. Louis. She started college at William Woods University and then transferred to Washington University. While she was in med school, she met and fell in love with Milton. They were united in marriage in 1956 and resided in St. Louis. They were blessed with four children. Linda and Kurt were born in St. Louis and Keith and Craig were both born in Wisconsin.
Joan’s family found a wonderful summer vacation spot on Balsam Lake in Wisconsin. They all loved it so much that Lloyd and Dot bought a vacation home there in 1949. The Kunys and Stanzes and all family members thoroughly enjoyed it and still do today. Family names who have enjoyed this property are Kuny, Stanze, Palmer, Moore, Solon, Erickson and so on.
Joan was at home taking care of two very young children while Milt was earning the family’s living as an accountant. In 1960, Joan and Milt took a dramatic change of route and purchased Schnurs Resort on Balsam Lake. They called it Sunnyside Resort and Marina and owned it for 11 years. The family vacation spot on Balsam, mentioned earlier, remains in our large family and is the summer focal spot for many of us.
Joan helped out with the Sunnyside business but, like most moms of this era, she spent her days running the house and children. Joan was very active in Scouts, being a leader and becoming an “inspiration” for her sons in Scouting. She was involved in the Balsam social network through the women’s club and as many other activities as the time would permit.
They sold Sunnyside in 1971 after 11 years of ownership. They moved to Milltown where Joan and Milt began their next chapter. They bought a Culligan Franchise territory and welcomed newborn Craig to the fold. Joan joined Milton in the office at Culligan and they worked together until they sold it around 1995. They eased into retirement by building a new home in St. Croix Falls. They became dedicated volunteers for numerous organizations. They spread their free time in the role of grandparents and volunteerism. They loved both roles immensely. They spent many hours watching sports and babysitting. Joan volunteered at Interstate Park and St. Croix Falls Library, but her main commitment was to Good Samaritan Home. She went many mornings to pass out water to the residents with her good friend, Joyce Leisch. They were avid volunteers for decades.
Joan and Milt discovered snowbirding. They spent many winters going to Destin, Florida, with their travel trailer. Joan was always ready to return to Wisconsin before Milt because she missed home and the grandchildren so much. Joan, mom, Grandma Joan, aka “Maga,” (not political) was a real family person. Spending time with family was her happy place. Joan (mom, grandma) filled the role of matriarch of our family as well as any of us would have hoped for. She led our family by her example and encouraged each of us in our own ways throughout our lives and we all loved her and now miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Stanze; and her great-grandson, Mckinley Erickson. Joan is survived by brother, Jerome A. Kuny; daughter, Linda (Tom) Moore; sons, Kurt (Jill) Stanze, Keith (Judy) Stanze and Craig (Sloan) Stanze; grandchildren, Kyle (Tisha) Palmer, Catherine (Rich) Erickson, Kevin (Kayla Erlitz) Palmer, Rachael (Emily Sousa) Stanze, Sarah (Timothy Clark) Stanze, Jenna Stanze, Emily Stanze, Clover Stanze and Maxwell Stanze; great-grandchildren, Autumn (Mitchel Galle) Erickson, Sidney (Andrew) Stanislaw, Sophia Palmer, Stella Palmer, Kaleb Palmer, Mallory Erickson, Mitchel Erickson, Abigayle Palmer, Elijah Palmer and Joanie Sousa Stanze; bonus grandchildren, Scott and Anne Moore and daughter Lilly, Sarah Moore, Eric Janero, Lindsay Janero, Megan (Aaron Sousa) Janero and Zander Erlitz; as well as many other loving nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.
There is no service planned at this time.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrusted with arrangements.
