Joan Marlene Feltes
September 28, 1944 ~ May 27, 2025
Age ~ 80
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Marlene Feltes, who departed peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the Seasons of Life Hospice House. She was 80 years old.
Joan was born on September 28, 1944, to John William and Angeline Mae Otterson in Milwaukee, WI, she was the middle child of five daughters.
Joan shared a beautiful and enduring love with her spouse, Gerald Feltes, with whom she celebrated an incredible 55 years of marriage. They were married on November 8, 1969, in Milwaukee, and later moved to West Bend in 1972, where they raised their five children. They lived there for almost 42 years before moving Up North.
Joan was hardworking, witty, funny and had a kind heart. She worked many different jobs, but her favorite was waitressing at Bertram’s Tavern for Fish Fry’s. Joan had many close friends in West Bend, especially those on Robin Street. She was always willing to help out others, especially friends of her children, whether it was something to eat or a place to stay.
Joan and Jerry relocated to Saint Germain, Wisconsin in 2014, for Joan’s love of the Northwoods where she developed more close friends.
Her legacy continues through her five devoted children, Kim Droes of Saint Germain, WI, Tammy Wipf (Justin) of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Kevin Feltes (Stacy) of West Bend, Wisconsin, Travis Feltes (Katrina) of Raleigh, North Carolina and Troy Feltes (Alta) of Waupun, Wisconsin.
She was a grandmother to Stacia Lopez, Cody Droes, Kory (Liz) Droes, Alex Lopez, Addisyn Feltes, Sam Feltes, Molly Feltes, Liam Feltes, and Lily Feltes. She was a great-grandmother to Isabella, Aubree, Kylie, and Chloe.
She is also remembered by her loving sister, Mary (Robert) Erste; and sister-in-law, Janice Thimmesch; and many nieces and nephews.
Joan was welcomed into heaven by her parents; her sister’s, Pat, Nancy, and Kathleen; her son-in-law, Chris; and brother-in-law’s, Don, Gene, and Mike.
Joan’s gentle spirit and loving presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family and friends.
A family dinner will be held at a later date; we are respecting Joan’s wish to not have a funeral. Thank you for your sympathy. The family asks that you carry forward Joan’s kindness with a helping hand or a simple smile for someone else.
Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com. We would also like to thank the outstanding staff at the Marshfield Hospital ICU and Aspirus Seasons of Life Hospice House.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com PAID OBITUARY
