Joan Abel

Joan Mary Abel, 87, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2025. Joan was born at home to Joel and Rose (Buchberger) Ward January 25, 1938 in the Town of Lessor, Shawano County. She grew up a well-loved sister in a family of fifteen. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and graduated from Seymour High School in 1956. On April 30, 1957 she married Robert Abel. Their home was full of family, friends, and life. After raising thirteen children she worked as a CNA at Franciscan Care Center in Appleton.

A lover of sports, Joan was one of the founding members of the GFC Girls' Softball League at Plamann Park. She coached her daughters' teams for years. She enjoyed traveling, camping, and Brewers baseball. She spent time gardening, canning, and was a great baker. She loved reading and poetry. She actively supported her family at events of all kinds - academics, sports, music, drama. She loved time spent at the cabin her husband and sons built in Tipler. She is dearly loved and will be missed.

She is survived by her children: daughter-in-law Nancy Abel; Joel (Cheryl) Abel; Amy (Byron) Wickesberg; son-in-law Todd Stalnaker; Mary (Kevin) Cropp; Thomas (Denice) Abel; Karen Bergman; Diana (Joseph) Miller; Daniel Abel; Michael Abel; Steven Abel; Benjamin Abel; Scott Abel; her grandchildren: Heather (Dean) Brinkman, Heidi (Matthew) Anderson, Paul (Sarah) Abel; Alyssa (Ian) Christie; Jeff (Gaosheng), Kenny (Stephanie), and Robby Wickesberg; Jessica (Michael) Culver, and Isaac (Erica) Phillips; Kevin Jr., Nathan, Jared (Katelyn), and Kari Jo Cropp (fiance Brandon); Amanda, and Eric (Ashley) Abel, and Morgan (Charles) Sellinger; Nicole (fiance Johany), Michelle, and Monica Miller; Anakin, Brady, Roaslie, and Carson Abel; Brianna (fiance Shayne) Severson; Brandon Tank; Marijana (friend Jordan) and Scott Jr. Abel; her great-grandchildren: Tristan (fiancee Allee), Tiernan (fiancee Faith), Connor, and Finn; Abigail and Samuel; Gage and Taylor (Quincy); Carmen (friend Alex); Lana and Devin; Mackenzie and Wyatt; Clayton and Rory; Laurel; Maximus and Bodi; Vivian, Adaline, and Rhys; Hannelore; Alex Joseph (AJ); Scarlet; her great-great grandchildren: Brandon, Strat, and Silas; her siblings: Nancy Piccolo, Mina Landsverk, Daniel (Cindy) Ward, Anita (Ray) Theobald, and Lisa Ward; and her sisters-in-law: Yvonne Ward, Joyce Heim, and Colleen Ward.

She was preceded in death by her parents; children: Charles Abel and Gina Abel; son-in-law, Richard Bergman; sisters: Janis (Ken) Trettin, Mary (Sam) Rettler, and Deborah (Bill) Dicke; brothers: Ivan (Bud), Glen, David, Carl, William, and Patrick Ward; brother-in-law, Domenico Piccolo; granddaughter, Amanda; and great-grandson, Austin.

Friends may call at St. Edward's Catholic Church, Mackville, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2025, with Deacon Jeff Hofacker officiating. Burial will be held at Elm Lawn Cemetery. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

Gratitude to everyone who cared for Joan so she could remain home with family. Special thanks to Dan and Kari Jo for their supportive care through this time, and to Moments Hospice for their care for Joan and the family.