Obituary for Joan Waite

JOAN WAITE

Joan M. Waite, 90, of Clinton died Sept. 14, 2023, in her home with family.

She was born May 20, 1933, to Frederick and Margaret (Carlin) Feirn in Chicago. The family, including her brothers, Terrance, Fred, and Conrad, lived in Chicago until 1945 when they moved back to her father’s home area in Janesville on Belding Road. Joan attended the one room Belding School, and then later graduated from Clinton High School in 1950, working as a dental assistant for three years in Janesville.

On Sept. 11, 1952, Joan married Gordon Waite and moved to their family farm, Ovine Acres, on Highway 140 in Clinton. Together they raised sheep, hogs, cattle, and crops for 71 years, along with raising their five children. Joan stayed very active with the farm handling the accounting and involved with Girl Scouts, 4-H, Homemakers, and St. Stephen’s Church. For 20 years she served on the Clinton School Board, having also earned a degree as a Paralegal. After her children, Joan further pursued an advancement of her education by attending UW-Rock County, UW-Madison and Beloit College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and earning a master’s degree in education and history. Joan was very active in politics with the Republican Party both locally and nationally. Joan was active in the 1967 Turtle Creek Protective Association and Rock Against the Rail. Having been well regarded for her community work, she made a bid to run for State Assembly in 1982.

Following all this, she also obtained her real estate license, gaining experience with two real estate agencies and eventually opening her own business of Stateline Realty in downtown Clinton until she retired in October 2021. Joan continued the farm accounting until her death. Her ambition and passion for the family farm helped to instill a solid work ethic in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her five children, Janette (David) Moyer, Kathryn (Ronald) Braun, Margaret Waite, Gregory (Melanie) Waite, Jacquelyn (Glenn) Jackson; 11 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Emily) Moyer, Michelle (Josh) Mott, Matthew (Sarah) Braun, Rhonda Braun, Travis Braun, Carmen Braun, Phillip Waite, JoAnna (Brandan) Noack, Sonja (TJ) Farley, Marlina (Jimmy Skogen) Jackson, Dalton (Victoria Khoo) Jackson; great-grandchildren, Addison, McKayla, Alexa and Kaden Moyer, Samuel, Nolan and Veronica Braun, Tucker, Jude, Margo, Harlow, Evangeline and Beatrix Farley, Leona Skogen, and Bryson Noack; brother, Conrad Feirn; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Waite.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband; brothers Terrance and Frederick Feirn; and parents-in-law, Walter and Eleanor Waite.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Hospice, especially Natasia and Hanna.

Joan’s mass of Christian burial was Sept. 19 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Clinton with the Rev. Jim Murphy officiating. Following Joan’s service, the cortège continued to Clinton Cemetery for interment.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Joan’s memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on the Brian Mark Funeral and Cremation Care website.

Brian Mark Funeral and Cremation Care, 504 Milwaukee Road, Clinton, 608-362-2000, www.brianmarkfh.com.