Joan Jestila

Joan Jestila Obituary

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Age - 85

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September 11, 2023

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Tomahawk, WI

Joan Marie (Archambeau) Jestila, age 85, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, under the care of St Joseph's Home Health & Hospice at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire, WI. Joan was a longtime resident of Baraga, MI, and spent most of her career as an early childhood educator for BHK Head Start. She had a passion for teaching and caring for the community's youth. Joan would buy coats, shoes, boots, and clothing to make sure the children had what they needed. She was a true advocate for children and highly regarded by her peers. Even as the children she taught became adults and taught their children, they would still call her "Teacher Joan. "In her younger days, she played softball for Bert's Beauties in L'Anse, a memory she always treasured. She also took part in the bowling leagues at the Ojibwa Lanes in Baraga with her friends. There was never a yard sale she could drive by and always had the door open for anyone needing help. Along the way, she was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In retirement, she found herself traveling, spending most of her time in Florida working odd jobs for fun, and most notably, tending to a horse farm and managing an RV park with her partner, Terry. The end of her journey brought her to Eau Claire, WI, as a resident of Orchard Hills Assisted Living. Joan is survived by her seven children, Donald (Audrey) Jarvey, Michael (Lois) Jarvey, Rod (Cissy) Jarvey, Steven (Heidi) Clem, Jay Clem, Melanie Clem, and Danny (Terry) Loosemore, Jr. She was preceded in death by her mother, Clara (Dutemple) Cadeau; her father, Arthur Archambeau; her brothers, Arthur, Jr. , and George; and her partner, Terry Korby. In accordance with Joan's wishes, no formal services will be held. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family.

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Robert Smith

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