JoAnne M. McLaughlin died September 6, 2024, peacefully at her home in Packwaukee, WI. Born March 23, 1945, in Pittston, PA to the late Joseph John McLaughlin and the late Anne Marie (Watson) McLaughlin. She graduated from Aberdeen High School. She was a Veteran of the US Navy. Jo worked at Snap-On Tools, completing an apprenticeship to become Snap-On’s first female Tool and Die Machinist in the state. On November 30, 2014, married her long-time companion of 36 years, Carol A. Vandenberg. She loved spending time with her grandchildren who lovingly call her JoMama, named by her grandson, Michael. Playing full weekend marathons of Hand and Foot with her wife, daughter CynDi, and “bonus daughter” Val Nielsen. She was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 38 years. Served as Area 75 (Southern Wisconsin) Delegate. She was a sponsor to many and such an inspiration to numerous recovering people.JoAnne was preceded in death by her brother Thomas, along with her parents. She is survived by her wife, Carol; their daughter, CynDi (Ryan) Nielsen, sons Roc (Sandra) Bass, Mickey (Kimberly) Bass; brothers Joseph and Larry (Cindy) McLaughlin; nine grandchildren (Michael, Brandon, & Noah Nielsen) (Kamron, Skyler, Caeleb, & Jesse Bass) (Haley [Kaitlyn] Fox) (Austin Siebelink); one great granddaughter, Ava Siebelink; and many nieces and nephews. Jo also leaves behind her furry buddies, Freedom and Radar, her two rescue dogs. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Proko Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:30am in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, 4300 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory 5111-60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144 Phone: (262) 654-3533 Visit & Sign Jo’s Online Memorial Book at: www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Catherine A Glosser
September 12, 2024
A wonderful Trusted Servant will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on through her dedication to our beloved fellowship.With love and deepest sympathy,Catherine A GlosserArea 43 NH Panel 54
Jeannie Scherrer
September 8, 2024
Carol & CynDi, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I ran into Carla S today and she told me of Jo's passing. The obit says it all and I remain forever grateful for the love and support you, Jo and CynDi gave me so many years ago. I still think of you and Jo when I watch an episode of the golden girls. Peace and Love. Jeannie ❤️
Janet Appling
September 7, 2024
I met Jo at Camp American Legion and have known her for 13 yrs. We manned the craft shop together during our weekly stay each year for most of those years. Between the 2 of us we got donations of quite a few tools for the veterans' use. Jo was generous with her time and always willing to help. Keeping the craft shop organized and clean was almost an obsession with her. I loved looking forward to camp each year to see what she had come up with for that year. When Jo finally gave up the craft shop a few years ago, I woodburned a birdhouse to represent the craft shop as a thank you from all the women who had used it to relax, work out frustration, express their creative side, or just have fun sharing time with other women there. Jo, you will be truly missed by all and especially me. Women's Week at camp will be lacking a beautiful, generous person. Thank you for your service my sister veteran. You have more than earned your peace and thanks from your country and fellow Americans. Janet Appling Capt WAC Retired