Joan G. (Brown) Kitzinger, 92, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Born on September 6, 1933, Joan was a lifelong resident of Marinette, who enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, puzzles, reading, music, and socializing with family and friends.
Joan graduated in 1951 from Our Lady of Lourdes High School. She went on to work in retail for several years at Woolworth's, Lauerman's Dept. Store, and Prange Way. In 1995, after 18 years in the Domestics Dept., Joan retired from Prange Way. Over the years, she also enjoyed volunteering at area elementary schools.
Joan was a member of Holy Family Parish where she was an usher, and for a period of time coordinated the senior social luncheons.
On December 1, 1962, she married Patrick Kitzinger and had 2 sons, Tim and Todd.
Joan is survived by her sons, Tim of Madison, WI; Todd of Oak Park, IL; a brother, Thomas (Donna) Brown of Wausaukee; and one very special grandson, James Kitzinger of Coleman.
She is further survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Joan cherished her time with her family, especially her grandson, James. She often joked with James when he visited her, that if she had a rope, she'd tie him to a chair to keep him around longer!
Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Pat; her parents, Gerhart and Dorothy (Peters) Brown; a sister, Marlene Brown; and an infant brother and sister.
Visitation will be held at Holy Family Parish - Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2737 Taylor St, Marinette on Friday, August 14 from 9-11am. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am with Father Celestine Byekwaso officiating. Entombment will be in Forest Home Mausoleum. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Unity Hospice, Cornerstone Caregiving, and Aurora Medical Center - ED, ICU, and 3rd floor.
Joan loved to laugh, tell jokes, write and recite toasts. Here's one of her favorites, that she was infamous for reciting to others, whether she knew you or not:
"Here's to you, and here's to me, and if we ever disagree, to heck with you, and here's to me!"
“And that’s that!”
