29/09/2022
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of our mother, Joan Bachmann Ribich. At the time of her passing she was the eldest of the Peter Reiss Branch. Her presence will be greatly missed by many. 💔
JOAN RIBICH OBITUARY
Joan Bachmann Ribich, age 95, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, September 9, 2022, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born April 29,1927 in Chicago, IL to Harrold and Carita Reiss Bachmann, Joan grew up in Lincoln Park, downtown Chicago. She graduated in 1945 from the Girls Latin School of Chicago then attended Bennett College in Millbrook, NY where she majored in art. Joan spent summers at their family house and farm in Sheboygan Falls, WI. In 1947 she met Frank Ribich of Sheboygan, WI. They were united in marriage on November 27, 1948 at St. Ita's Catholic Church in Chicago. For 64 years they shared a beautiful life together, living in Sheboygan and Kohler, WI. They were blessed with 8 children, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Joan adored her husband and family. Family was simply everything to her, making a point to gather as often as possible. She and Frank loved traveling the U.S. and abroad, experiencing new places together. They frequented Arizona and Florida and enjoyed taking in the sun together. "Up north" Wisconsin was always a special place to Joan, starting with her childhood memories at Camp Osoha, spending her honeymoon at the Gateway Lodge, and later having a family getaway on the Eagle River chain of lakes. She shared and passed on her passion of northern Wisconsin to her children and grandchildren, organizing reunions with her entire family.
Joan was passionate about living a full and active life. She spent her early years as a hospital volunteer, dedicated her time and talents at St. Clement Catholic Parish which was her family's church through multiple generations. She also delivered Meals On Wheels for almost 40 years. She was known for lighting up a room with her warm smile and her generous and giving heart. She loved socializing and took every opportunity to entertain and coordinate gatherings. Joan had numerous loyal lifetime friends, enjoyed bridge groups, soup swaps, luncheons, golf outings, dinner parties and shopping. Second to her family and friends was her love of anything chocolate and orange sherbet.
She is survived by her children: Hal (Kathryn) Ribich, Carita Ribich, Joni Strathy, Amy (Roger) Young, Linda Ribich, Frank (Heather) Ribich, and Lisa (Tim) Kellner; fourteen grandchildren: Natalie (Tim) Bergstrom, Jake Ribich, Anna Ribich (Bill Jacob), Jonathan (Shannon) Ribich, Elizabeth (Gabe Van Engel) Cambridge, Elena Meseck, Kelly (Ryan) Walker, Eric (Holley Drake) Strathy, Rebecca Kellner, Olivia Kellner, Allison (Ian) De Soto, Christopher Young, Frank Ribich; and 9 great grandchildren: Ava Bergstrom, Grant Bergstrom, Kieran Bergstrom, Eliza Walker, Easton Walker, Elsie Walker, Iris Drake, Ryder Strathy, Brooke De Soto; her brother David Bachmann; sister in laws: Diane Bachmann and Hermine Grasse; as well as nieces, nephews, additional relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, infant daughter Nancy Jane, infant brother Sonny Bachmann, infant sister Elizabeth Bachmann, brother Peter Bachmann, sister Mary Jannone and grandson Adam Kellner.
It was Joan's wish to have a private service for her immediate family in celebration of her life.
For those wishing to express their condolences an account at Legacy.com has been established. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's memory can be made to St. Clement Parish, Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County or HSHS St. Nicolas Hospital Foundation.
Joan's family sends a heartfelt thank you to all those who were her caregivers and to her loyal friends throughout the years.