Joan Beryl (Sheridan) Sartori, age 92, left this world to be with God on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her children.
Joan was born on November 22, 1933, in Sparta, Wisconsin, the sixth of eight children of Bill and Beryl (Senogles) Sheridan. She had a happy childhood in Kendall, where she took on the role of younger sister dutifully and without question. Her early work included such tasks as official dish-dryer, church cleaner, and bed-warmer for her older sisters. As more siblings followed, her responsibilities expanded to chief tag-along officer for her little sister Annette, and official worrier for the soul of her ever-troublesome little brother, Terry.
Joan’s early career plan was to follow her three of her older sisters to the convent. That changed at age 16, when Jim Sartori moved to town and fell in love with her “at first sight”, beginning an epic love affair of nearly seven decades. And although her vocation shifted from the religious life to family life, her love for God and her church never faded.
After graduating from Kendall High School in 1951, she attended St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse. In addition to becoming an RN, she made lifelong friends during her time at St. Francis.
Jim and Joan were married on September 4, 1954, then moved to Elroy and began their family. Their seven children were a lot of work, but brought them great joy. While Dad was busy managing the family-owned dairy business and then the grocery store, Mom wore multiple hats. In addition to being the primary caregiver for the children, she continued to work as an RN. She also managed the household finances, provided loving care for our grandmothers, and remained active in the community as a volunteer in both official and unofficial capacities.
Mom was a forward-thinker, eager to learn new things. She recycled in the 70s, bought one of the first microwave ovens in the 80s (taking a minicourse at the high school to learn how to use it), and at age 86 got a cell phone, so she could text her grandchildren. She loved to travel, and enjoyed a competitive round of golf, cards or Scrabble. She was a voracious reader, and attended programs at the Elroy Library until the end.
Mom led by example. She exercised regularly, ate well, prayed constantly, and didn’t speak ill of others. She was a great partner to Dad, and together they set a wonderful example of a beautiful marriage. She was selfless during Dad’s final years, enabling him to be happy and comfortable. We are forever grateful for the loving care she gave him.
Mom’s life was a quiet testament to faith, love, and selfless service. Surrounded by the love she so freely gave, she leaves this world having made it better for us all.
Joan is survived by her seven children: Steve (Chris), Terry (Beth), Annie Bacon, Sue (Mike) Killips, Kathy (Mike) Hankard, Jane (John) Feller and Barb (Nami) Zarvan, 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is further survived by two dear sisters, Annette Thorson and Rita Boehrer, her sisters-in-law Flo Sheridan and Ellie Revels, and her brother-in-law Bill Sartori. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jim and five siblings (Eileen, Pat, Donna, Bill and Terry), as well as many close in-laws.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the many wonderful people in the Elroy area who provided a community for Mom, and to those who showed her extra love and support in these last few years. A very special thank you to Mom’s beloved niece, Maribeth Preuss, whose presence and caring was a constant source of comfort for the entire family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 29 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elroy. Visitation will be held at Picha Funeral Home in Elroy on Sunday, December 28 from 2:00-4:00 pm, and at the church from 10:00 am until the time of mass on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (https://diolc.org/st-patrick-elroy) or the Elroy Library (https://www.elroylibrary.com/donate).
The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
