Obit: Oblak, Joan K. “Ma” (1931 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Oblak, Schmit, Meer, Manthe, Thaler, Wehrman, Yenter, Wickesberg, Sommers, Johnson

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 12/02/2021

Oblak, Joan K. “Ma” (28 January 1931 – 21 November 2021)

Joan K. "Ma" Oblak, 90, Loyal, peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

Joan Kathlyn Meer was born on January 28, 1931, in Granville, rural Milwaukee, the daughter of Joseph W. and Julia E. (Schmit) Meer. She was raised in Granville and received her education at St. Catherine's Catholic School in Milwaukee. Joan started babysitting at age 11 and did light housework after school for the neighbors. After completing her education, she continued to do housework and babysitting for several families. Joan was united in marriage to Edward Oblak on April 10, 1953, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Milwaukee, where she was also baptized and confirmed. In 1972, they moved to Loyal and purchased the Stein Haus Bar, which she and her husband operated until 1995. It was the patrons of the tavern who first tagged her as "Ma," because they couldn't remember her name. She cooked for many people in need throughout the years and welcomed many into her home who had no place to go on the holidays. After selling the business, she had more time to continue her helpful ways, and remained very active in the community of Loyal. Whether it be baking pies for church functions, selling tickets for fundraisers, or baking a loaf of bread every day to give away. And all of this while taking in 21 foster children throughout the years.

She was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Loyal American Legion Auxiliary.

Ma had many interests, but especially loved spending time with her family, knitting washcloths, making blankets, playing cards, puzzles, baking, shooting pool, the Brewers, and feeding everyone.

She will be dearly missed by her children: Terry (Chuck) Manthe of Spencer, Edward J. “Chipper” (Sue) Oblak of Slinger, Cindy Thaler of Kenosha, John (Cheri) Oblak of Spencer, Julie Oblak of Marshfield, and Jenna (Mike) Wehrman of Loyal; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one brother: Ronald (Marla) Meer of Elcho; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed, on April 27, 2019; one daughter: Heidi Oblak; one son: Greg Oblak; a son-in-law: Gary Thaler; three sisters: Rosemary Yenter, Betty Wickesberg, Patricia Sommers; and three brothers: Richard, Robert, and Joseph Meer.

A Celebration of Ma’s life will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Loyal, on Saturday, December 18, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Leo Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ma’s name for a memorial to be established at a later date.

“You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.”

“ Five of a kind and grandma hands forever!”