Joan Kammerud

Joan Kammerud, age 86 of Blanchardville died on Wednesday morning, July 25, 2018 at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe. She was born on February 9, 1932 in Darlington to Joseph and Mary (Brick) Smith. She grew up in Darlington, Fayette and Blanchardville. She raised six children early in her life and was a dedicated, hard working and loving mother. In 1972 she married Leland “Dodie” Kammerud. They made a home in Wiota where Dodie operated Wiota Milling. Joan worked with him doing the books and helping with the milling business. She also operated the small Wiota grocery store next to the mill until Dodie’s death in 1992. She later enjoyed bartending at the Wiota Tavern and Sports Page in Argyle. She hung up her bartending apron to care for her grandchildren, who were the highlight of her life. She had a great sense of humor and loved playing cards. She was well known for her family doughnut recipe. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. She loved cats had two special ones over the years.

Joan is survived by four children, Vickie Broge of Watertown, Lori (Chris) Chellevold of Janesville, Mary Jo Townsend of Janesville, and Mike (Teresa) Johnson of Blanchardville; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Burris, Emily Chellevold (Dale Debauche), Matt Chellevold, Tannar Johnson (Cortney Gilbertson) and Brooke Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Connor and Piper Burris; and special nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband Dodie who died in 1992; a daughter Tammy Johnson who died in 1967; her son Gary Johnson who died in 1992; a son-in-law Wayne Broge who died in 2012; and her three sisters Murillia Helsdon, Lucille Gunderson, and Helen Jane Ryan; and one brother, Frank Smith.

A gathering to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Saturday afternoon, July 28, 2018 from 1:00 until 4:00 PM at Blanchard Hall on Main Street in Blanchardville. A prayer service will be held at 2:00 PM lead by Fr. Paul Eruva of the St. Isidore Parish. A private burial will be held at a later time in the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralhome.com. The family wants to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe for their tremendous care. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested.

To watch the video tribute program for Joan, please click the following link: