Joan Pekel

Joan C. Pekel, age 95 of Menasha, passed away early Sunday, September 27, 2026. She was born February 13, 1931 to the late Dewey and Eleanor Van Buskirk in Summit, WI. As a child, her family moved to Menasha, where she was a proud drum Majorette for Menasha High School marching band.

In July of 1949, Joan married Richard Pekel. She took on the roll of mother and homemaker for their three children and was proud of her work as a housekeeper for the Pediatrics unit of Theda Clark Hospital. Joan loved gardening and giving away the literal fruits of her labor and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed hosting boisterous holiday parties and serving the most delicious food, even sharing her famous recipes when asked.

Joan’s biggest focus in life was her family and her faith. A lifelong member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Joan served on many different committees and ministries and volunteered many hours to the church and its members.

Joan is survived by her children: Christine (Thomas) Miller; and John (Sue) Pekel; grandchildren: Chelsea (Joseph) Padour; Joseph (Sarah Griffin) Nichols; Charles (Amber) Miller; Joshua (Autumn) Pekel; Justin Pekel; and great-grandchildren: Rachel and Abigail Padour; Aldrich Nichols; Elijah Pekel; Maverick and Kallie Pekel; and Magdalena and Adelaide Miller. She is further survived by her brother, David (Margaret) Van Buskirk; and sister Karen (Roger) Kaas; as well as by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 1981; her daughter, Kathleen in 2011; and by her brothers, Robert and Thomas Van Buskirk.

A memorial service for Joan will be held at 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 437 7th St., Menasha. A visitation will be held at church from 2:30 P.M. until the hour of service. Joan will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Chilton.