Joanne Barbara Engum passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on January 9, 2015 after a brief and courageous challenge with pancreatic cancer.

Joanne was born on September 20, 1933 in Stevens Point to parents, Lyle Frank and Dorothy Louise (Schlice) Knudson. After attending local schools, she graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1951. On November 15, 1952, she married her high-school sweetheart, Robert William Engum in Stevens Point. They shared their lives with their beloved children Cindee, Jodi, Robin, and Jill each and every day; and enjoyed annual camping trips, Sunday drives, and spending time with family and friends.

Joanne was a life-long volunteer and held leadership positions in many clubs and organizations. She loved to address a crowd and was always ready to help out. In her many years, she enjoyed ladies bowling league, golfing, playing competitive bridge, camping, swimming, fishing, and dancing. She was a devoted Mother who led Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout packs and helped with special events and fundraisers for her children’s clubs and organizations. She also was involved in her churches as a teacher, lector and Eucharistic Minister. She moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2001 to be closer to her siblings and enjoy the weather. She immediately continued her involvement in square and round dance, golfing, bridge clubs and her church.  She hosted her family at her home near the beach throughout the year and visited Wisconsin for extended periods every year. She was known for her generosity, special cards and gifts, creativity, master problem-solving abilities, her sweet tooth, a wonderful sense of humor, and her smile.

She is survived by her four children: Cynthia Joanne Langhurst and husband, Ross Langhurst, Shawano, WI; Jodi Engum Kryshak and husband, Mark Kryshak, Amherst, WI; Robin William Engum and wife, Jackie Engum, Stevens Point, WI; and, Jill Louise Smith, husband Craig Smith, Phillips, WI: Grandchildren; Nathan Langhurst (Joelle Groshek), Kathryn (Justin) Popp, Ian Kryshak, Kelby Kryshak, Danielle Engum, Juliann Engum-Korpal (Matt Korpal), Rylee Engum, Mallory (Seth) Hueckman, Emma (Ben) Blomberg, Jordan Smith; and Great-Grandchildren: Van and Celeste (Langhurst) Davis; Andrew and Bryce Popp; Calvin Korpal; Heston, Hardy, Ila and Houghton Hueckman; and Myles Blomberg; Sister Judi (John) Corbett; Brother, Jim (Gloria) Knudson; Brother in-law, Wayne (Christel) Engum: Sister in-law, Merrikay (Ron) Berry; Brother in-law, Bill Volney, special friend, Dale Fredrickson; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob in 1999; parents, Lyle and Dorothy Knudson, Sister, Jeanne Volney and Brother Jeff; Mother in-law, Margaret Engum; Sisters-in-law: Jerane Pribel and Dolores Engum; and Brother-in-law, Jim Engum.

The family wishes to extend deep gratitude to Dr. Paul Dodd, Florida Cancer Center; Hospice of Portage and Shawano Counties, especially nurse Linda; Swedberg Funeral Home; and family and friends who lent support in so many ways.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Stephens’ Church, 1401 Clark Street in Stevens Point, WI on Saturday, January 17 at 11 a.m.  Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place following the service at St. Stephens Cemetery in Stevens Point.  A Celebration of Life will be held in Daytona Beach Shores sometime this spring.  Memorials will be established at a later date. Swedberg Funeral Home of Shawano, WI is taking care of arrangements. For more information, visit: http://www.swedbergfuneralhome.com/, or call them at: 715-526-2631.

You are the sunshine in our lives and in our hearts forever.