Winnifred "Winnie" J. Joos

Winnifred Jane (née Newton) Joos

Winnifred (Winnie), age 97, died at her daughter’s home in Sparta, Wisconsin, on June 22, 2023.  

She was born on a farm near Humbird, Wisconsin, on March 21, 1926, to Samuel and Maude Newton.  She graduated from Alma Center High School, then attended vocational school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  After working at Gamble Robinson Eau Claire for three years, she married Thane Joos on July 14, 1945, in Humbird, Wisconsin.  

Winnie and Thane farmed near Alma Center, Wisconsin, and raised their four children.  They increased their family by adopting Paul Herman (Walters) Joos and provided loving care to many foster children.  They enjoyed square dancing and camping.   In their camping adventures in the United States & Canada, they were Good Sam Club Members with Winnie serving as State Director for two terms.  Winnie was Gray Lady volunteer for veterans in Tomah and was a very active member of the Alma Center Methodist Church including Sunday School Teacher, Youth Choir, Youth Group Leader, and WSCS. She served as a local & District WSCS officer, plus state Lab School Teacher. Other activities included Royal Neighbors, Eastern Star, Civic Club, Rebekah Lodge, and 4-H project/ general leader. Winnie worked at the Black River Falls hospital.  Upon moving to Eau Claire, Winnie worked at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire before her first retirement. She worked for Eau Claire Manpower as a temp, then assisted with bookkeeping. She retired a second time, but continued to volunteer at Luther Hospital. Winnie is a 70+ year member of Extension Homemakers (now WAHCE). She served many years on the State WAHCE Board including District Director as well as State President for three years. As President she was the lead delegate to the Triennial ACWW Conference in South Africa which her daughters and granddaughter were a part; traveled to Washington, D.C. to present over 5,000 handmade ornaments (made by Wisconsin WAHCE members) to be placed on the Wisconsin Millennium Tree; and accepted UWEX Chancellors Award for the organization’s First Book Project.

Winnie was a crafty lady quilting, sewing, crocheting, tatting, knitting, scrapbooking, and card making.  When her parents got electricity in 1940, a radio appeared on their porch.  This was the only the beginning of listening to the Wisconsin Badger games every Saturday, and Green Bay Packer games on Sundays. Winnie was thrilled to attend two games at Lambeau Field, and saw Bart Starr at church one Sunday in Green Bay.

Thane passed away in 2004.  Winnie married Chester Quale in 2011.  He died in 2014.

Winnie is survived by her children, Charles (Patricia) Joos of Waupaca, Wisconsin, Susan (Ray) Petkovsek of Madison, Wisconsin, David (Sue) Joos of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Karen Joos of Sparta, Wisconsin.  She also is survived by grandchildren Rory, Rhonda, Patrick, Rodd, Cheryl, Kimberly, Brian, Roger, Michael, and Jeffery; 16 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and beloved grand-dog Sam.

She was preceded in death by husbands Thane and Chester, son Paul, her parents, step brothers, & stepsister.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Lake Street United Methodist Church, Eau Claire, with Reverend Dr. Gerald Morris officiating. Burial will be at a later time in East Lawn Cemetery, Alma Center.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday, July 7, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lake Street Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703 or WI Bookworms,  Mail checks to: UW-Extension KCAHCE. 19600 – 75th Street, Suite 2. Bristol, WI 53104. Online condolences may be offered to Winnie’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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