Joanne “Grandma Joan” P. Kasmierski, age 86, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Milestone Senior Living in Tomahawk under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born on Feb. 24, 1939 in Chicago to the late Edward and Estelle (Kopaczewski) Mietlicki. She grew up in the Chicago area and was a 1956 graduate of Lindblom Technical High School in Chicago, where she was in choir and drama. She loved dancing and singing and met her future husband Joseph Kasmierski while out dancing. They were later married on May 2, 1959; he passed away on March 26, 1989.
She and Joe raised their five children with all of their names beginning with a J. She had her own beauty shop that she operated out of her dream house in Oak Lawn until she and Joe moved to Tomahawk to build and own Kas’s Lounge where, she graciously accepted the nickname “Ma Kas.” She finished her career as a cook at Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk.
She loved to give back to her church family by baking for breakfasts at St. Mary’s and was famous for her pumpkin bread. She also would bake for and help the funeral luncheon committee at St. Mary’s. Grandma Joan volunteered at the senior center with the red vested voluncheers. Whenever someone would call her on the phone, she always answered it by saying “Grandma’s Kitchen.”
Over the years she enjoyed traveling with friends, maintaining her beautiful flowers and yard, taught CCD and was a Girl Scout Leader for her granddaughters. Grandma Joan always welcomed visitors offering a treat and her hospitality was unmatched. Grandma Joan has been described as a sassy, straightforward lady, calling a spade a spade. She was a strong matriarch who was always willing to lend a hand and she will be greatly missed.
Survivors include Son, Joseph Kasmierski, three daughters, Julie Thompson (Dave), Jackalyn (Mark) Arseneau, and Jennifer (Curt) Ruffert, her sister, Mary Powers, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, and many other beloved relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Estelle, her husband, Joseph, sisters Barbara, Sally and Florence, son-in-law Tom and granddaughter Kassie.
Her family wants to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their comforting care, Milestone Assisted Living for their wonderful care, and a special shout out to Tiffany for the amazing care she gave to Grandma Joanie and the residents at Milestone Assisted Living.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joanne “Grandma Joan” Kasmierski will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1 p.m. from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomahawk. Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony will officiate. Her family will receive friends for visitation at St. Mary’s from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Tomahawk.
Memorials may be given in Grandma Joan's name to St. Mary’s School of Tomahawk or Milestone Alzheimer’s Team.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.
