Obituary of Joanne Thelma Hill

Joanne T. Hill, Fort Atkinson, WI - age 78, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2011, at Sienna Crest Assisted Living Center with her children at her side, following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born June 27, 1933, the former Joanne Thelma Koski was born in Chassell and raised in the small fishing village of Portage Entry, Michigan. She loved their little lakeside home in the Upper Peninsula and would return to visit at least once a year throughout her life until she was no longer able. She attended Chassell Schools and married the love of her life, Toivo John "Johnnie" Hill, in 1954. In 1959 they found a cozy home on Elm Street in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they raised their family and Joanne would continue to live until 2004. She worked for Sears Roebuck and Company for 25 years, retiring in 1990 to help care for John until his death from cancer in 1992, after which she returned to work part time to stay active and connected with friends, until deciding to officially re-retire. Joanne is survived by her two children, Peggy (Kurt) Breunig (sons Christopher Hill and Kristopher Breunig) of Waunakee and Michael (Nadine) Hill (sons Andrew, Evan and Paul) of Jefferson, sisters Mrs. Viola Bath of Longmont, CO, and Mrs. Carol McCarthy of Daytona Beach Shores, FL, several cousins and sisters in-laws, many nieces and nephews, close friends, and her beloved dog, George. In addition to her husband John, she was preceded in death by her father Waino J. Koski (Honkakoski) in 1936, Brother Clarence W. Koski, mother Thelma E. Saari Huhta, and "exceptional" step-dad, "the only father I ever knew", Oliver A. Huhta. Joanne's family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation for the caring, compassionate and professional care she received over the years: first at Wellington Meadows Assisted Living and then at Sienna Crest Assisted Living who specialize in Alzheimer's Care. We were comforted by and are grateful for the support Rainbow Hospice provided us over the past months. A private family gathering celebrating Joanne's life will occur at a later date at Portage Entry. Those wishing to express sympathy with a memorial donation may be directed the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute 7818 Big Sky Drivee, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53719 or the Chassell Historical Organization, Inc. 42373 North Hancock Street, Chassell, MI 49916 We will all remember her love of conversation, her laugh, her smile, her love of family, and strong belief that "hard work never hurt anyone". Condolences and memorials can also be made online at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com