Obit: Rifleman, Joanne R. (1936 - 2006)

Contact:  Audrey Roedl

Surnames: RIFLEMAN LANG PGAHNING WINGERT GORKE THOMAS SCHULTZ HANSON PAASCH GOTTSCHALK

----Sources: Loyal TRG 12 July 2006 2006

Rifleman, Joanne R. (16 AUG 1936 – 6 JUL 2006)

Joanne R. Rifleman, 69, died on Thursday, July 6, 2006, following a difficult illness. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, at Rembs/Kundinger Funeral Home, Marshfield, beginning with a 4 p.m. rosary service. There will also be a visitation from1-2 p.m. prior to a mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Marshfield, on Saturday, July 15.

Joanne Rose Lang was born Aug. 16, 1936, to John and Regina (nee Pfahning) Lang, rural Marshfield. As a country girl, her life was filled with farm labor that became treasured memories and favorite stories for her children and grandchildren: making hay, tending garden, milking cows, and many 4-H activities, an enjoyment she passed on to two generations of family. Her first date to her future husband was, in fact, at a 4-H event. She married Conrad "Mike" Wingert on Feb. 14, 1956, and had seven children whom they raised in the Marshfield/Spencer area: Michele (Dennis) Gorke, Marshfield; Susan (Renon "Ronnie") Thomas, Chicago; John (Marisa) Wingert, Appleton; Patrick (Cathy) Wingert, Marshfield; Mary (Wayne) Schultz, Marshfield; James (Jamie) Wingert, Mukwonago; and Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Wingert, Madison. She found enormous joy through her children and their accomplishments, adventures, and families. She often commented on how sad it was that her husband, who preceded her in death on June 29, 1985, was unable to fully reap the rewards of his hard labors for his children. She then married William "Bill" Rifleman on Nov. 4, 1989. Though her children gave her much to be proud of, it was her grandchildren who made her regret that her life would come to a too-early end. She was frequently seen at their 4-H activities, religious passages, concerts, plays, and many athletic events. She was truly devoted to supporting them, even if it meant crisscrossing the state in a single weekend. Though she spent much of her life as a full-time mom and homemaker, after all her children were through high school, she re-entered the work force and spent 23 years employed with the Community Development Authority working in the office and acting as caretaker at Cedar Rail Court. She loved organizing the birthday potlucks there and the opportunity to assist the residents at both Cedar Rail and the Parkview Apartments. Her life came to a peaceful end much as it began, in a country home, where she was surrounded by the love of her family, especially her treasured grandchildren, who had the opportunity to witness many acts of faith and God’s goodness before she died on Thursday, July 6, 2006.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; her seven children and their spouses and her 16 grandchildren: Sarah and Amanda Gorke (Michele and Dennis); Renon Jr. and Tyrone Thomas (Susan and Ronnie); Benjamin, Jacob, and Abbrielle Wingert (John and Marisa); Brianah, Ross, and Raelynn Wingert (Pat and Cathy); April, Bethany and Tracey Schultz (Mary and Wayne); and Anne Marie, Spencer, and Wesley Wingert (Jim and Jamie). She is also survived by her mother, Regina, and seven siblings and their spouses; John "Jack" (Lucy) Lang, James (Jeanette) Land, Jerald (Debra) Lang, Jerome (Shirley) Lang, Janice (Richard) Hanson, Judy (Dale) Garfield, and Jean (Darrel) Paasch. She is further survived by Mike’s siblings: Fabian (Beverly) Wingert, Margaret (Gerald) Shirey, Anita (Robert) Schiferl, Paul (Barbara) Wingert, Dennis (Patricia) Wingert, Glen Wingert, and Laurence (Sharon) Wingert; many nieces and nephews; and Bill’s sister, Lucille Gottschalk.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Mike; her sister Jacinta; her father, John Lang; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Leona Wingert; son-in-law, Ronnie Thomas; nephew, Lee Lang; sister-in-law, Diane Lang; and brother-in-law, Benjamin Gottschalk.

The family wishes to thank the many visitors who helped her and her family during her illness, those who sent cards of prayer and cheer, and the wonderful staff of the Palliative Care Unit and Home Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Wood County Junior Fair in her memory.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on died in the Lord. Yes, says the spirit, they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them," – Revelations 14:13;

Condolences may be sent on line to: www.rembsfh.com.

Rembs/Kundinger Funeral Home, Marshfield, is assisting the family with arrangements.