Joan Held
Joan S. Held, 88, of Mosinee, passed into eternal life on March 27, 2024, at home, with her son, Kevin, at her bedside. Joan had been living with pancreatic cancer, diagnosed in September 2023.
Joan (known to many as Joann and Joanie) was born to Hattie (Soczka) and Joseph Nowacki in Corning Township (west of Merrill) on January 15, 1936. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to a farm in Rietbrock Township where she grew up. She attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Athens High School.
She was married to Robert F. Held on June 24, 1954, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. During their 50 years of marriage, Robert’s career saw them living in Rockford, Ill., Madison, Columbia, S.C., and finally putting down roots in Columbus, Ohio, where they resided for 34 years. After raising her sons, she returned to the workforce for a number of years and retired from Nationwide Insurance. She was an active member of the choir at St. Anthony Church in Columbus. After Robert’s passing in 2005, Joan returned to Marathon County, moving to Mosinee in 2007 to continue her retirement.
Joan leaves behind two loving sons: Robert (Jean), Mesa, Ariz., and Kevin of Mosinee; three grandchildren: Mindy (Cliff) Erickson, Mankato, Minn., Erik (Cara) Held, Groveland, Mass., and Michael (Katherine) Held, Champlin, Minn.; and five great-grandchildren. Siblings surviving her are brothers: Dennis (Susan) Nowacki and Larry (Emma) Nowacki, and sister Isabell Aschbrenner.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, were her parents, two adult brothers and three siblings who died as children.
Visitation was held Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4-6 p.m., ending with a prayer service which commenced immediately thereafter. Fr. Aaron Becker, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, presided. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, hosted the proceedings.
Final arrangements are being handled by Schoedinger Funeral Home, Worthington, Ohio. This will include a funeral mass at The Chapel, Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lewis Center, Ohio, followed by interment next to her husband. A Columbus Diocesan priest will preside.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Aspirus Hospice for the care, comfort, guidance and encouragement they provided to Joan and son Kevin, who cared for her through the duration of her illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PanCan.org, which was a great resource for the family. Light a candle and provide online condolences at www.bestefh.com.
Details will be confirmed once she transfers to the care of Schoedinger Funeral Home.
Paid obituary 150562
