Joan "Jo Ann" Beverly Kersten

Joan “Jo Ann” Beverly Kersten, age 87 of Appleton, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday February 5, 2023. Joan was born June 17, 1935, in Bloomer, WI the only daughter and child of John and Marjorie (Babbitt) Pritchard. Joan attended Bloomer High School, where she and her best friend Jean were cheerleaders and then graduating in 1953.

 

In 1957, Joan married Donald Kersten and the couple lived in St Paul, MN and then Eau Claire, WI where they had two sons Kyle and Kent.

 

Joan loved to garden in her early years and during the family’s time in Eau Claire she maintained a 1-acre vegetable garden that she worked by hand! In the late sixties, Don’s work transferred him to Appleton. Joan packed up her ’53 Plymouth with a “3 on the tree” and moved the family to The Valley. Joan worked at Valley Packaging in Appleton as their receptionist for many years, she then went on to work as a cook at Villa Hope for 13 years. Later she worked as a crossing guard on Memorial Drive and Prospect Ave in Appleton. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

 

Joan was a gifted cook who loved to share her talents with others. Anyone who has had one of her holiday meals knew just how special it was. She also enjoyed feeding the birds outside her windows, attending Packers’ games with best friends Fuzzy and Sue Thurston, getting on football boards, the Price is Right and definitely a glass of wine on ice!

 

Joan was a trooper inside and out. She was never afraid to let you know her opinion.

 

Joan us survived by her loving son Kent and many friends. She is preceded in passing by her husband Don, son Kyle as well as her parents.

 

Mom-you were the best mom ever!  I pray you can see again in Heaven. Thank you to all of our neighbors and friends, you were like family to her.

 

There will be a celebration of life from 1:00pm until 5:00pm on Saturday March 4, 2023, at Lake Park Pub, 8904 Lake Park Road, Menasha. 

 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.