Joanne Charlotte Baxter

Joanne Charlotte Baxter (nee Gobar) of Richland Center’s Pine Valley Community Village and formerly of Avoca, died peacefully at UW Hospital in Madison on February 14, 2025.

Joanne was born to Blanche and Julian Gobar on October 20, 1930, in Fennimore, Wisconsin. She graduated from Blue River High School and also graduated from what now is UW-Platteville. After graduation, she embarked on a 43-year teaching career, mostly with the River Valley School District. She was one of Wisconsin’s longest tenured elementary school teachers when she retired.

Joanne married the love of her life, Lionel Baxter, November 23, 1951. They had two sons, Craig and David. They were inseparable during their 73-plus years of marriage, temporarily ending upon Lionel’s passing on January 22nd of this year. Now they are reunited on Valentine’s Day.

Joanne was known for being sweet, funny, kind, and smart, although she did earn the nickname of “Little General”, as she liked things her way and stealthily worked until she got it. She had a strong sense of social justice and gave back to her community. She loved sharing stories of her students and their shenanigans, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had the cutest giggle and always said, “Oh, Lionel” at Gramps’ jokes. She loved having everyone over for lunch and always getting up at least 10 times during the meal to make sure everyone was taken care of. Gramps always said, “Sit down, Joanne!”. She was the Gram (“B”) who sent cards throughout the year just for fun and always had something special wrapped for each family member when they would visit. She had such a giving heart. She may have been short in stature, but her presence in how she cared for her family, students, and community were larger than life.

Joanne is survived by her beloved sons Craig of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; David of Oconomowoc; Wisconsin; daughter-in-law; Ronda (wife of David); grandchildren Leah, Ryan, Emily, Jessica, John (JD), Amanda, Rachel, Kelly; 23 great grandchildren; sister Marian (Bob); sister Kate (Fred); sister-in-law Betty Baxter (Avoca); and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Lionel; her parents Blanche and Julian; her sister Roberta (Karel); her grandchildren Beau Baxter (David); Erik Baxter (Craig); and great grandchild Graysen.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a service starting at 11:00 a.m. The visitation and service will be held at Clary Memorial Funeral Home, 26777 Jelland Drive, Richland Center, WI. Pastor Chris Simonson will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the Shriner’s Hospital in Minneapolis, St. Jude’s, and local food pantries would be appreciated.