Joan Schultz, 90, of La Crosse, WI, passed away on October 21, 2025, from respiratory complications. Joan was born on November 28, 1934, in Hamilton KS, to Dean Thomas Hogan and Mary Eliza Hogan, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Thomas Schultz, also of La Crosse. She and Wilbur were married for 69 years until his death in October 2021. She is survived by her brother, Pat Hogan and family, of Wichita, KS; daughter Mary A. Murphy, also of La Crosse; son Gary L. Schultz and wife Denise D. Schultz, of Amandola, Italy; grandson Vaughn Coutu, La Crosse, WI; granddaughter Lindsay Mills and family, Burns, WY; grandson Eric Schultz and family, Columbia, MO; and grandson Brian Murphy and family, Blackstone, MA; and eight great-grandchildren.

Joan grew up in Hamilton, KS but moved to Sonoma, CA during WWII. The family returned to Hamilton after the war. She has many fond memories of her years in Sonoma. After marrying Wilbur, they lived in various Kansas communities until 1971 when they moved to Boston. Her passions throughout her life included cooking, quilting, reading, and music. Joan often talked about her and Wilbur’s time living in Athens, Greece from 1980 – 1984. One of her funniest stories was when she and a tourist group traveled to Moscow, Russia. They ended up going into some locations that were off limits without their designated guide. They were quickly rounded up and told not to go there again.

Celebration of life and memorial will be held at Hamilton Methodist Church in Hamilton, KS on November 3, 2025, followed by her ashes being interred at Janesville Cemetery in Hamilton, KS.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to the First Congregational Church of La Crosse, WI.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.