Joan E. Urbanek

Joan Elizabeth Urbanek, 88, of Chaseburg, died on Monday, February 08, 2021, at Hillview Nursing Home. She was born in La Crosse on February 20, 1932, to Godfrey and Victoria (Blaha) Schedivy.

Joan attended St. Wenceslaus School grades K-8 then Aquinas High School. As she was starting high school her family moved to a farm near Chaseburg. Her father drove her to Aquinas the first year. After that she either stayed with family or lived at St. Ann’s Hospital where she worked in the cafeteria before and after school to pay her room and board. Up until this time Joan was considered a city gal and never thought she would be a farmer.

Joan met her future husband while attending Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coon Valley. While dating they attended many dances at the Avalon and the Concordia ballrooms. On August 19, 1952, Joan married Clarence Urbanek. In 1956, Joan and Clarence bought their own farm where she raised her family, milked cows, raised chickens for her egg route, and assisted with farm related fieldwork including the tobacco field. She raised a large garden and canned/froze many items to be used throughout the year. She had an egg route in La Crosse where she delivered her fresh eggs to customers and sometimes fresh produce. She loved her flowers and always had many in the house as well as those in the gardens.

Joan belonged to many organizations, helping wherever she could. She was active in her church serving as officer of the Altar Society, guild leader, organist and catechism teacher. One day a nun at church asked her if she played the piano. She only had one year of lessons as a child, but the nun talked her into playing the organ at church. She ended up playing at St. Mary’s for over 30 years. She also enjoyed attending many retreats at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse. She was an active member of the Chaseburg Lioness Club, the Chaseburg Chasettes, the NFO and served as a 4-H leader for many years.

Joan loved traveling with Clarence, and they went many places together. She especially enjoyed their five+ week drive to Alaska and their bus trip to Nova Scotia. For many years they rented a cabin in Hayward with friends and spent this time fishing and playing cards. They also went to Christmas Mt in the Dells with their children and grandchildren where they played mini golf, card bingo, and of course more Euchre. Family gatherings were never complete without a game of Euchre or Dominoes. Joan’s card playing skill sets were honed by her weekly playing at local Euchre tournaments. They routinely went square dancing with friends when they were young.

Joan was known for her exceptional crocheting, sewing and baking talents. Her grandchildren now cherish the afghans and quilts she made for each one of them. Her Czech heritage made her well known for her homemade breads, coffee cake (poppyseed being a family favorite) and streusel. Her family looked forward to these special foods at every family gathering. She cherished her time with her children and grandchildren.

With Joan’s exceptional love for cooking and baking she decided to work as a cook at the Chaseburg School. She enjoyed getting to know the children at school where her own children once attended. The children loved the little extras she would make when she was given the time and ingredients. She retired in 1995 to take care of her aging father.

Joan is survived by her husband, Clarence, her four sons and two daughters Jim (Jean), Paul (Shirley Arentz), Clarice (Mike) Kammel, Tom (Terri), Cindy (Todd) Schini, and Larry (Jana) Urbanek. She has 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren (with another on the way).

Joan was preceded in death by her son, Daniel, her brother, Ralph Schedivy, her parents, Godfrey & Vic Schedivy, and sister-in laws, Betty Hedrick & Rita Schedivy.

The family would like to thank nurses, Kathy & Tracy, for their love and care of Joan at Hillview during the eleven months we were not able to visit her due to Covid-19 restrictions.

A private funeral mass will be held due to Covid-19. Mass will also be broadcast live on St. Mary’s Parish Facebook page beginning at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in memory of Joan.