Johanne A. Bloch

Johanne A. Bloch, 81, was called to her eternal home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, Wisconsin.  She was also formerly of St. Joseph, Illinois.  She was particularly dedicated to her family and loved small children, as they made her smile- even up to her last days.  Johanne loved baking, sewing, singing, and playing piano. She could often be found singing a song while baking for her family.  During her time in Canada and Minnesota, she directed children’s choirs for her church family.  Johanne enjoyed working with international students as the housing director for the YMCA of the University of Illinois at Champaign- Urbana. She will be remembered by all as a loving mother and grandmother, as well as a loyal and true friend. 

Johanne was born October 24, 1942, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stewart) Pehkonen in Devils Lake, ND. She married James H. Bloch on April 7, 1962, in Milwaukee, WI. He passed away January 11, 2017.

Survivors include a son: Matthew Bloch; daughters: Rachel (Steven) Osthus of Greenville, Wisconsin; Rebecca (James) Cain of Wayne, Pennsylvania; and Sarah Bloch of Springfield, Illinois; her sisters: Elizabeth Schoessow, Karen (Richard) Timian, and Mara (Philip) Pehkonen; brothers Karl, William, and Eric (Kori) Pehkonen; five grandchildren: Michelle and Emily Osthus; Evan, Aidan, and Arla Cain; and a great-grandson Levi Osthus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother John Pehkonen Jr., and a sister Carole Shaff.

The Christian Funeral Service for Johanne will be held on Monday, November 13, at 10:30 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 601 E. Glendale Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin with the Rev. Adam Bridgman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  Johanne and Jim will be buried together at Dartford Cemetery near Green Lake.

The family would like to express their thanks to the caregivers from Moments Hospice and the caring angels at Aspire Senior Living.  We know how much you loved Johanne and how she became part of your family.   We will never forget your kindness.

To view the worship service online, please follow this link on Monday morning.

Faith Lutheran Church - Faith Ministry Center (online.church)