JOAN GAWLICK
December 11, 1935 - April 19, 2023
Obituary
Joan Marie (Smith) Gawlick, of Neenah, WI, passed away at home April 19, 2023, with loved ones at her side. Born December 11, 1935, to Norvald and Elsie (Hammel) Smith, Joan graduated from Neenah High School in 1955 and went on to spend most of her career owning and operating local taverns.
Joan married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Jerome “Jerry” Gawlick, on September 10th, 1955, forming the foundation of what would become a family of six. Like her parents before her, Joanie teamed up with Jerry to build successful and popular taverns: the Lakeside and the 5 Ks. Ever an adventurer, Joan enjoyed traveling with her husband to visit friends and family down south and taking legendary family road trips to discover exciting new destinations. As her family grew to include her beloved grandchildren, she wholeheartedly embraced her role as “Amma” to every child that crossed her path. She loved to dance and bee-bopped through life with love, laughter and smiles for everyone she met. She loved playing cards, touring casinos, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, cooking out with family, and any opportunity to spend time outside.
Joan is survived by daughter Kim and son Kyle (Linda), son-in-law Tim, sister-in-law Sami, grandchildren Mandie, Kallie, Chelsie (Chris), DJ (Vanessa), Stephanie (Michael), Courtney, Kelsey, Austin, and Jessie, great-grandchildren Lakota, Lola, Layla, Flynn, Adelynn, Elijah, Declan, Silas, Brooks, Bennett, Tate, Cowen, and Stella. She is preceded in death by her parents, Norvald and Elsie Smith, husband Jerry, brother Doug, sister Connie (Jerry), daughter Kristy, and son Kelly (Jean).
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Avenue. A private committal service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park when she's laid to rest.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dear family friend, Conno, for all the time she dedicated to supporting Joanie and her family through the years. They also want to express their deep gratitude for the love and care shown by Club Gabriel staff, especially Keri and Kristy, and her many friends there. A special thanks to the staff at Compassus. The family suggests donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers. A memorial fund has been established in Joan's name.