JoAnne Bruehlman

JoAnne Helen (Isely) Bruehlman, age 86 of Argyle, WI passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 10, 2023, at the New Glarus Nursing Home in New Glarus, WI. She was born March 1, 1937 at her home in Monroe, WI, the daughter of Willis and Leona (Hefty) Isely. JoAnne grew up in Argyle and lived in the Argyle area her entire life. She was united in marriage to John W. Bruehlman on March 24, 1956 at Argyle Lutheran Church, WI. John and JoAnne enjoyed traveling to visit family across the United States. JoAnne attended school at Puddledock Country School in her youth, and due to contracting Rheumatic fever, was unable to complete her high school education. JoAnne was a dedicated member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Argyle, and attended bible study each week for many years with her husband John. Being a mother of five children, and a farmer's wife, JoAnne contributed by working as a baker at Rossing's Grocery Store in Argyle, driving bus for Argyle school district for 20+ years; and helping out at Geri's County Crafts. She was known for her caramel corn, homemade buns and her "famous" chocolate chip cookies with black walnuts. JoAnne loved her crafts. She created many items out of wood and sold them at craft sales with her daughter Laurel, throughout Wisconsin. She was also a master quilter. JoAnne spent many hours piecing, batting, binding, sashing and sewing squares her entire life. Her name appears on many beautiful creations. She enjoyed many "Quit Hops" and Quilt stores over the years with family and friends. She loved sharing them with loved ones, along with selling them at her craft shows. When JoAnne wasn't farming, raising kids, driving bus, or crafting and quilting, she found time for fun and adventure. As a child, she enjoyed being outside, taking walks in the woods enjoying the birds, flowers and wildlife. Everyone who knew JoAnne, knew that she was always caring for, or nursing animals back to health, to send them back to the wild. She has nursed and raised several in her lifetime, which include Thumper the skunk; Josephine the mallard; Groucho, Alfalfa, Buckwheat and Darla the raccoons, and Lucky, Willy, Frisky and Sparky the squirrels. She wrote once that her favorite childhood memory was that she cared for 18 squirrels, 18 raccoons, 1 opossum, several rabbits and many birds. JoAnne also spent her younger years at the Roller Den in Monroe, WI skating with her daughters and friends, and dressing up for Halloween in her own designed costumes. One would say her most favorite past time was creating beautiful scenes with her jigsaw puzzles. She has challenged herself over the years on thousands of puzzles, some only 9 pieces and others over 10,000 pieces. Just a few days before she left us, she was working on two of the last puzzles she will put together here on earth. JoAnne loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent time watching them in sports, cutting newspaper articles out about their accomplishments, enjoying theatre productions, teaching them to sew and quilt, take care of animals, and most recently spending 3 months in Hot Springs, Arkansas visiting. JoAnne is survived by her children: Loren (Kristi) Bruehlman and Jim (Lisa Bina) Bruehlman both of Argyle, and Chris (David) Goff of Fairbanks, Alaska. 8 grandchildren: Cory, Kayla and Ashley Bruehlman; Nadean (Gene) Ho of Hot Springs, AR; Kevin Bruehlman of Florida, Kyle (Kasey) Bruehlman of Monroe, WI, and Brock and Erin Bruehlman of Madison. 6 great-grandchildren: Barry, Ella, Luna Kruz, Everett, Iris and step-great granddaughter Rosalie. She is also survived by her brothers: Roger Isely of Argyle, Eldon (Sally) Isely of Plymouth, WI, Donald (Paula) Isely of Etters, PA, and Alan (Iola) Isely of New Glarus; her sisters: Junice Shippee of Lena, IL, Marlys Isely of Monroe, Angie Dugan of Wadena Saskatchewan, Canada, Imogene (Craig) Wilner, of Summerville, OR; a daughter-in-law: Michelle Bruehlman; a sister-in-law, Ann Isely of Sun Prairie, WI; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband: John; one son: Gerald Bruehlman; a daughter: Laurel Bruehlman; a daughter-in-law: Marjean (Zweifel) Bruehlman, son-in-law: Dale Jelinek; and two brothers: Daryle Isley and Erling Isely; three sister-in-laws Dorothy, Joyce and Carol Isley; and two brother-in-laws Dan Dugan and John Shippee. The family would like to thank the many friends at the Argyle Senior Apartments, especially JoAnne's special friend, Julie for all her kindness and assistance, the caring staff at Agrace Hospice for your support for JoAnne, and the wonderful staff at New Glarus Nursing Home, for taking great care of JoAnne and her family, and for assisting her with her many puzzles. A private family burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in JoAnne's name.