Obituary: Joan Ellen Lahr

June 2, 1940 - September 8, 2013       
 
Joan Ellen Lahr (nee Ristow) entered eternal life on September 8, 2013, at the age of 73. She was a resident of Menomonee Falls for over 50 years and beloved wife for 53 years to Michael Joseph Lahr. She was the loving mother of Linda Jean Yuhas, Michael Joseph Lahr, Laura Jane Parsons and Mark Jon Lahr. Precious grandmother of Holly Parsons, Lauren Parsons, Heather Parsons, Dalton Lahr, Alexis Yuhas and Andrew Yuhas. She was mother-in-law to Michael Parsons, Andra Lahr and Paul Yuhas. Dear daughter of Hazel Ristow (nee Le Blanc) and the late Richard Ristow and sister of Richard Ristow, Janis Ristow and Jeane Ristow.

She was admitted to Froedert Memorial Hospital for a minimal procedure on Sept. 6 passed away of natural causes and went to be with our Lord on Sept. 8. Joan was a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School class of 1957 and continued her education at Waukesha county Technical College with additional banking and management resource education.

Joan was a dedicated mother to her children and grandchildren which included 14 years of Menomonee Falls 4-H Club leadership, followed by two years as leader of the Waukesha County Leadership Board. After her children left home, she joined The Associated Bank and was an Executive Assistant and Office Manager for 6 years. In 1993 she began employment with The Alliance for Children and Families as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President and was promoted to Director of Human Resources until her retirement in May 2006.

As empty nesters, Mike a Joan began their love of travel which extended throughout the U.S. and the French West Indies. After 9/11, Mike and Joan decided to purchase an Air Stream RV and spent the last several years gallivanting throughout the United States. Never idle and always using her strong professional gifts, Joan served and organized WBCCI (Wally Byam Caravan Club International) Air Stream rallies for various regions throughout the U.S. Her first position was Trustee of the Wisconsin unit in 2004/2005. In 2006, she was elected to First Vice President and then was President in 2007 for the Wisconsin Unit that showcased her strong organizational and communication skills.

From 2008 to 2010 she was 2nd and 1st Vice President of Region 7 and President from 2010 to 2012. Under her leadership as President of the Wisconsin Unit, and as Region 7 President, she inspired her committee chairpersons to succeed and she won numerous Merit awards during her tenure.

She put her heart and soul in the club and in doing so was able to accomplish much in these positions. In addition to her strong business side, Joan was equally gifted creatively. Her children fondly remember her arts, crafts and painting projects. Her most recent endeavor was jewelry making. She enjoyed making jewelry for all the girls in her family. Joan was a timeless classic. Joan passed down a love of cooking, gardening, camping, enjoying nature and physical activities to her children and grandchildren. Joan was known for her practical, reliable and warm nature and will be deeply missed by her mother, siblings, husband, children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Please join us in a celebration of Joan’s life at from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, N84W17937 Menomonee Ave. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at St. James Parish, W220N6588 Town Line Rd. A luncheon will be served immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). The family wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

(Obituary provided by the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls)