IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Joann
Kornkven
August 24, 1957 – February 13, 2024
Obituary
Joann "Auntie Jo Jo" Kornkven was born on August 24, 1957. She passed away at home in Ripon, WI on February 13, 2024 after a well fought battle with cancer. Her husband Karl and daughter Lindsey were by her side and were being lifted up in prayer by family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. Joann knew where she would be spending eternity. She shared her faith with many during her treatment for cancer and let it be known that she trusted the Lord for the outcome. Her greatest goal was to "ring the bell" and we know that bell rang the instant she stepped into glory.
Joann spent most of her growing up years in Helena, Montana. She left Montana in her early 20's and landed in Wisconsin where her adventure eventually led her to Karl Kornkven, the love of her life. They celebrated 24 full and amazing years of marriage on October 8, 2023. Their daughter Lindsey Jo completed their family on September 18, 2001.
After Lindsey was born, Joann took to the road to join Karl on his work assignments around the country. With Lindsey as her travel companion, she navigated to so many different cities and would be with Karl until the job was done. She became famous for the meals she could whip up from a hotel room with a barbeque and a crock pot. She often included many of the work crews on Karl's jobs for a home-cooked hotel meal. She was a born care-giver and she took care of them all; her family and their work family. Those travel days ended when Lindsey was old enough to go to school. After that Joann "held down the fort" at home while Karl was on the road. She was able to get back on the road a few times with Karl after Lindsey headed off to college. These ventures were all treasured memories. She had so many great stories.
Joann had a yearning to be closer to her Montana family and in 2012 she, Karl and Lindsey packed up and headed west. What an adventure! River rafting, 4-wheeling, hiking, making new friends, and spending tons of time with family. Wisconsin tugged on her heart though, and they returned to Ripon after three years. The move back was followed by reconnecting with old friends, adding new ones, and the adventures of Lindsey's high school years.
Joann had a full life and loved so many things. She loved entertaining and taking care of her family and home. When you were her guest, you were fed! Brisket, prime rib, brats, and HoHo cakes were a few of her specialties. She could whip up a feast in no time and there was always something delicious coming out of her kitchen. She was a natural at making sure her guests were well taken care of. She loved her Green Bay Packers and rarely missed a game. Sometimes, Karl and Lindsey wondered if the neighbors could hear her on game day. For such a small person she was a ferocious fan! She loved a great beach day…Florida and Mexico were her favorites with warm sand and sunshine. She loved a day on the pontoon on Green Lake…which was even better if they were towing someone behind on the tube…laughing with her face to the sun and her hair blowing back. She took great joy knowing others were enjoying themselves. She loved "move in day" when Lindsey started college at Stevens Point and she was really good at it. She could turn a simple dorm room into a luxurious abode in no time at all. Having Lindsey in college brought her great joy and she was so proud. Above all, she loved her husband and she loved her daughter. The hardest part about leaving is that she had to leave them.
Joann is survived by her husband, Karl; and daughter, Lindsey; her loving in-laws; her mom and dad, Jim and Irene Newton; and sisters; and a brother in Helena, MT, so many nieces and nephews, and a host of long-time friends.
A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Joann wanted for all of you to remember her as she was the last time you saw her. "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow; May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind from sorrowful thoughts. Joann is home with her Lord and Savior, just where she belongs.
Joann spent most of her growing up years in Helena, Montana. She left Montana in her early 20's and landed in Wisconsin where her adventure eventually led her to Karl Kornkven, the love of her life. They celebrated 24 full and amazing years of marriage on October 8, 2023. Their daughter Lindsey Jo completed their family on September 18, 2001.
After Lindsey was born, Joann took to the road to join Karl on his work assignments around the country. With Lindsey as her travel companion, she navigated to so many different cities and would be with Karl until the job was done. She became famous for the meals she could whip up from a hotel room with a barbeque and a crock pot. She often included many of the work crews on Karl's jobs for a home-cooked hotel meal. She was a born care-giver and she took care of them all; her family and their work family. Those travel days ended when Lindsey was old enough to go to school. After that Joann "held down the fort" at home while Karl was on the road. She was able to get back on the road a few times with Karl after Lindsey headed off to college. These ventures were all treasured memories. She had so many great stories.
Joann had a yearning to be closer to her Montana family and in 2012 she, Karl and Lindsey packed up and headed west. What an adventure! River rafting, 4-wheeling, hiking, making new friends, and spending tons of time with family. Wisconsin tugged on her heart though, and they returned to Ripon after three years. The move back was followed by reconnecting with old friends, adding new ones, and the adventures of Lindsey's high school years.
Joann had a full life and loved so many things. She loved entertaining and taking care of her family and home. When you were her guest, you were fed! Brisket, prime rib, brats, and HoHo cakes were a few of her specialties. She could whip up a feast in no time and there was always something delicious coming out of her kitchen. She was a natural at making sure her guests were well taken care of. She loved her Green Bay Packers and rarely missed a game. Sometimes, Karl and Lindsey wondered if the neighbors could hear her on game day. For such a small person she was a ferocious fan! She loved a great beach day…Florida and Mexico were her favorites with warm sand and sunshine. She loved a day on the pontoon on Green Lake…which was even better if they were towing someone behind on the tube…laughing with her face to the sun and her hair blowing back. She took great joy knowing others were enjoying themselves. She loved "move in day" when Lindsey started college at Stevens Point and she was really good at it. She could turn a simple dorm room into a luxurious abode in no time at all. Having Lindsey in college brought her great joy and she was so proud. Above all, she loved her husband and she loved her daughter. The hardest part about leaving is that she had to leave them.
Joann is survived by her husband, Karl; and daughter, Lindsey; her loving in-laws; her mom and dad, Jim and Irene Newton; and sisters; and a brother in Helena, MT, so many nieces and nephews, and a host of long-time friends.
A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Joann wanted for all of you to remember her as she was the last time you saw her. "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow; May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind from sorrowful thoughts. Joann is home with her Lord and Savior, just where she belongs.
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