Joan S. Barkholtz

Joan (Schmidt) Barkholtz was born October 4, 1928, in Appleton, WI, the second of 10 children in the Louis and Olive (Spoerl) Schmidt family. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at home in Appleton surrounded by her children.

Joan attended St. Joseph Grade School in Appleton and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Menasha in 1947. On June 4, 1950, she married Harry M. Barkholtz Jr.  Before Harry passed away on May 26, 2008, the couple filled their 58 years together raising Joyce (James) Spaude, James (Jean) Barkholtz, David Barkholtz, as well as their chosen children Angela Schmidt (deceased), Stephanie Pomplun and Heather Pahl. Joan was devoted to her family and committed to raising her children in faith.

Joan had a varied career including as a banking executive in the Fox Valley that continued into her 80s, and she was well-known for her steadfast work ethic. But it was her belief that people came first and her refusal to judge others that lead her to a lifetime of helping people. Her doors were always open, and her home was filled with family and friends.

Those who knew Joan would know she was an avid collector and reader.  She did crossword puzzles (and was always right) and played the dice game 10,000 (and always won).  She was gifted at turning pieces of fabric into beautiful quilts and enjoyed growing flowers in her gardens the same way she nurtured the people she loved.

In addition to her children, Joan is survived by five siblings: Daniel, George (Shilea), Giles, Judy (Norman) Yogerst, and Vernon; five grandchildren: Lisa (Ken) Fosnot, David (Carol) Spaude, Sara (Kirk) Bell, Chad (Lori) Probst, and Emily (Gary) Lewis; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, her husband and Angela, Joan was preceded in death by four siblings: Richard (Eva Lou), Reginald a.k.a. Mark, Aloysius (Wanda), and Jean Ann (John) Coleman; a special niece, Olivia Schmidt; other nieces and a nephew.

A funeral mass for Joan will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., with Fr. Larry Seidl as celebrant. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Please wear a mask and continue to practice social distancing.