Joan “Joanie” M. Mendyke, 87, formerly of 310 Virginia Circle, Stevens Point passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday morning Oct. 11, 2019 at North Crest Assisted Living, Stevens Point.

Joan was born on June 6, 1932 in Wisconsin Rapids to Bernard and Agnes (Hentges) Christy. She was the Homecoming Queen and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. She married James Mendyke Sr., in 1956, the couple was married for 53 years. James Sr. died April 3, 2009.

Joan worked as a receptionist, legal secretary, airline stewardess, and school secretary. Joan and Jim raised six children who remember her as a devoted, loving, patient, giving, and supportive mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Joan was social and active, volunteering in various community organizations including Operation Bootstrap, Meals on Wheels and St. Michael’s Hospital Auxiliary. She loved to visit with family and attend her children and grandchildren’s many events and activities. She enjoyed spending time with friends including her bridge group for over 50 years. Joan loved to travel from her days as a stewardess for Eastern Airlines, Sentry Insurance Leaders’ Trips and various family vacations. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and cheering for the Packers and Brewers.

Joan is survived by her children; Jane (Rick) Shuda, La Crescent, MN, Laura (Jeff) Rasmussen, Plover, James (Krista) Mendyke, Stevens Point, Maggie (Shaun) Sullivan, Plover, Beth (Mike) Glodowski, Iron Mountain, MI, John (Kay) Mendyke, Eden Prairie, MN; Seventeen grandchildren, and Dawn O’Keefe, her loving friend and caregiver.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Sr, parents, one sister, Alyce Arnold and one brother, James Christy.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at St. Bronislava Catholic Church 3200 Plover Road, Plover, WI.  Family and friends will gather from 4 to 7 PM on Friday Oct. 18, 2019 at the Pisarski Funeral Home at 703 Second St. in Stevens Point concluding with a prayer vigil at 7:00 PM and from 10:00 AM until the time of services Saturday morning at the Church.  Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.  For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Portage County. The family wishes to express thanks to the loving staff at North Crest, including Jarett, Mary, Deb, Tamera, Emily and Ashley for their extra support, care& dedication.