Joanne E. Crehore

Joanne Elizabeth Crehore (Hecker), 83, Allouez, died Sunday June 1st at St. Mary’s Hospital with family by her side. She was born March 27, 1942 in Manitowoc, WI, daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Sorenson) Hecker.

Joanne was graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, WI, class of 1960. She played the flute in the band & orchestra and taught tennis lessons in the summer. These activities are how she came to meet her husband of 52 years, David H. Crehore.

Joanne earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from UW-Oshkosh in 1964. She taught in various districts but began her teaching career at Fort Howard School and Chappell School in Green Bay from 1964-1967.

Joanne and Dave were married in Manitowoc, WI on August 19, 1967. While they moved several times during Dave’s education, they were living in Lodi, WI in 1974 when they welcomed their first child, Amy. In 1977, they purchased their forever home on Karl Street in Green Bay, WI, where Dave worked as the Public Information Officer for the DNR until his retirement. In 1978, they welcomed their second child, Tom.

Joanne was a devoted member of Pilgrim Congregational Church during all her years in Green Bay. She was a member of the church choir, spending extra time organizing music and caring for the robes. She participated in the handbell choir, held board positions, and belonged to the Priscillas. She also enjoyed going early in the mornings to weed the flower gardens. These activities and others helped contribute to the church’s vitality for over 40 years.

Joanne stayed at home for a number of years when her children were small but returned to work as the Attendance Secretary at Washington Middle School, a position she held for 22 years.

In retirement, Joanne was a loving grandmother and spent many years as a devoted caretaker to Dave through his Parkinsons Disease and cancer diagnosis. Her generosity of spirit and hard working nature are a model for us all.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, David H. Crehore, her parents, her in-laws, David and Charlotte (Lester) Crehore, and her sister, Judy Mahn (Hecker). She is survived by her daughter, Amy (& David) Perl, and their children, Sarah, Emily, and Katie, as well as her son, Tom. She is also kindly remembered by her niece, nephews, their families, cousins, and other extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 4-8pm at Malcore Funeral Home – East on Friday, June 13th. Funeral Services will be held at 11am at Pilgrim Congregational Church on Saturday, June 14th, with visitation beginning at 9:30am and a luncheon to follow. Burial services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc at 3pm, with guests welcome to join the family for remembrances at The Wharf in Manitowoc afterwards.

A special thank you to the caregivers who cared for our Mom at Allouez Parkside Village over the last several years.