Joan Sophie Held

Joan S. Held, 88, of Mosinee, WI, passed into eternal life, March 27, 2024 at home, with her son Kevin at her bedside.  Joan had been living with pancreatic cancer, diagnosed, September 2023.

Joan (known to many as Joann and Joanie) was born to Hattie (Soczka) and Joseph Nowacki in Corning township (west of Merrill, WI) on January 15, 1936.  Shortly thereafter, the family moved to a farm in Rietbrock township where she grew up.   She attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Athens High School.

She was married to Robert F. Held on June 24, 1954 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, WI.  During their 50 years of marriage, Robert’s career saw them living in Rockford, IL, Madison, WI, Columbia, SC and finally putting down roots in Columbus, OH where they resided for 34 years.  After raising her sons, she returned to the workforce for a number of years and retired from Nationwide Insurance.  She was an active member of the choir at St. Anthony Church in Columbus.   After Robert’s passing in 2005, Joan returned to Marathon county, moving to Mosinee in 2007 to continue her retirement.

Joan leaves behind two loving sons, Robert (Jean) Mesa, AZ and Kevin of Mosinee, WI.  Three grandchildren: Mindy (Cliff) Erickson, Mankato, MN,  Erik (Cara) Held Groveland, MA and  Michael (Katherine) Held, Champlin, MN; and five great-grandchildren.   Siblings surviving her are: brothers, Dennis (Susan) Nowacki, Larry (Emma) Nowacki and sister Isabell Aschbrenner.

Preceding her in death in addition to her husband were her parents, two adult brothers and three siblings who died as children.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Aspirus Hospice for the care, comfort, guidance and encouragement they provided to Joan and son Kevin, who cared for her through the duration of her illness. 

A prayer service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday April 1^st, 2024, at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. all at the Funeral Home.

Final arrangements are being handled by Schoedinger Funeral Home, Worthington, OH.  This will include a funeral mass at The Chapel, Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH followed by interment next to her husband.  A Columbus Diocesan priest will preside.  Details will be confirmed once she transfers into the care of Schoedinger Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PanCan.org.  Light a candle and provide online condolences at www.bestefh.com.