JoAnne Marjorie. Stetka

JoAnne Marjorie Henkel, 72, of Missoula, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015, at St. Patrick Hospital.

She was born on November 19, 1942, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Jerome and Emma Henkel. At the young age of 15, she fell in love with Joe Stetka, and after 3 years of dating, were married on December 2, 1961. The couple had just recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

Joe and JoAnne started their life together in Racine, Wisconsin, where their two daughters, Theresa Jean, and Cynthia Lee were born. In 1972, they made the decision to relocate the family to Missoula, Montana, where the have resided since.

Theresa (Terri), and Cynthia (Cindy), both married and blessed JoAnne and Joe with 3 grandchildren each; Korie Joseph Bryant 28, Kelsey Faye Bryant-Fielder 24, Kellie Kaitlyn Anne Bryant 21, Michele Christina Gullett 26, Christopher Jr. (C.J.) Gullett 22, and Kailie Anne Gullett 17. In June of 2013, C.J. and his girlfriend, Sharese Patterson brought JoAnne's first Great-Grandchild into the family's life, Maci Ann Gullett. Sharese and C.J. are expecting their second "Great Grandchild", a son, Elijah Warren, due in April 2015.

Family was everything to JoAnne, and her greatest joy was found in her daughters and her grandchildren. JoAnne loved animals with a great passion, and was more than loved by each and every furry "child" that was brought into her life. JoAnne also loved to go on "hunting" trips and outings, mostly for the pure joy of being outdoors and experiencing the beauty of the Montana wilderness with her husband, Joe.

JoAnne and Joe were more than just a married couple, they were truly each others best friend, companion and partner. Theirs was a love that was envied by many and will be matched by few. JoAnne was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and her absence will leave a large hole in the heart of this family.

JoAnne's favorite poem was "Across the Rainbow Bridge", a farewell to the passing of our beloved, furry family members.

"Until we meet again, across the Rainbow Bridge."

Survivors include her husband, Joseph E. Stetka, two daughters, Theresa (Terri) and Cynthia (Cindy), her 6 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

A private family visitation will be on Friday, February 6, 2015, at Garden City Funeral Home, followed by a Burial service at 2:30 p.m, at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 7405 Mullan Rd, Missoula, MT. All are welcome to join the family at the burial service.


Read JoAnne Stetka's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.