Joan L. Bessette, age 86 of Clintonville, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at The Pines Memory Care Center, Clintonville.

Joan Leola Bessette was born December 22,1934 in Wittenberg, WI to the late Clarence and Ruth Simonson. She was raised in Wittenberg, WI and was a 1953 graduate of Wittenberg High School. Joan was married to the late Dennis Bessette on July 18, 1953 at St Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood, WI. Joan moved to Clintonville, WI with her family in 1960 and resided there until her death. As well as being a mother, Joan worked as a Nursing aide at Clintonville Memorial Hospital and as a school health aide for the Clintonville Unified School District until her retirement in 1996. She was active in her church and in their overseas missions and helped set up self-sustaining bicycle repair shops and sewing centers in Nicaragua, Central America.

Joan is survived by her three children: Dr Mark (Rasia) Bessette, Phoenix, AZ; Dr Peter (Cari) Bessette, Naples, FL; Denise Benson, Clintonville WI; grandchildren: Nicholas Bessette, Zina Bessette, and Eva Bessette; sisters, Jean Cornwall, FL and Mary Larsen, NY; brother Bob Simonson, WI. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dennis and her siblings; Mervil Simonson, Mildred Simonson and Dick Simonson.

Joan’s memorial service will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Inurnment will follow at the St. Rose Cemetery, also in Clintonville. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting her family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com