Joan Aerts

Joan L. Aerts, age 87, of Wrightstown, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha, WI. It is not lost on anyone who knows Joan that she died with Jesus on Good Friday. Joan was raised in faith by loving parents and grew up on a farm with her three brothers and five sisters. Joan and her sisters could not be in a room for more than a few minutes without getting the giggles about something or absolutely nothing.

Joan was born on October 27, 1937 in Wrightstown, WI, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Lamers) Feldkamp. She met the love of her life Russell Aerts, Sr. in high school and were married on April 30, 1960 at St. Clare Catholic Church-St. Paul Parish in Wrightstown, WI.

Shortly after the wedding, Joan and Russ had a conversation about having children. Joan wanted zero and Russ wanted 12, so they compromised on six. Joan became a mother to four boys and then had two girls. She was an incredibly fun mom, teaching her children how to love Jesus, help others and laugh often. Joan was an equally fun grandma, spending time with her grandkids biking, playing cards, baking or playing silly games. She made interactions joyful with her quick wit and endless sense of humor. Joan was the best travel companion, finding joy and excitement in each new adventure. Throughout her life, Joan shared her musical talent with the parish of St. Paul Catholic Church by playing the organ and leading the mixed choir. She was also the parish secretary and ‘voluntold” her family for countless tasks at church. Joan and Russ enjoyed time at their cottage in Mountain. Joan loved nature, animals and flowers. She would get pretty upset at anyone who cut down a tree, even dead ones. Joan would be the first to say she didn’t have any special talents, but those who love her are aware that her special talents were countless including sewing Raggedy Ann dolls, cooking family favorite meals, playing piano and making the absolute best chocolate chip cookies. Joan even perfected her Easter morning cinnamon rolls that, one year, earned the nickname “hockey pucks”. Most residents of Wrightstown will remember Joan and Russ biking around town, even in the snow. Her family will remember Joan for her laughter, faith, and love for family.

Joan is survived by the love of her life, Russell Aerts Sr.; six children Joe (Tami) Aerts, Steve (Joyce) Aerts, Russ (Lynda) Aerts, Larry (Sheila) Aerts, Maria (Scott) Hanstedt and Teresa (Larry) Whitt; eleven grandchildren Janet (Wallace) Bandeff, Jim (Sarah) Aerts, Peter (Alyson) Aerts, Kellie (Ashton) Novy, Kaitlyn and Cole Aerts, Grace Aerts, Luke and Anna Hanstedt and Bryce and Greta Whitt; four great grandchildren Leah Bandeff, Sebastian, Felix, Margaret Aerts; two sisters Helen Evers and Theresa Ison; one sister-in-law Mary Feldkamp.

Besides her parents, she is preceded by two grandchildren Mary Jo Aerts and Nick Aerts; one great grandson Oliver Bandeff; daughter-in-law Nancy Aerts; three brothers Howard, Ralph and Ted Feldkamp and three sisters Marie and Kate Bongers and Ethel Ebben; along with several brothers and sisters-in-law who Joan loved very much.

Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at St. Clare Catholic Church – St. Paul Site, 437 Main St. Wrightstown, WI 54180 from 9:30 am to 11:45 am with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12 Noon with Fr. Brian Wideman presiding. Burial will be in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Wrightstown, WI. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.

A huge thank you to the team of angels at St. Croix Hospice. To the caregivers and team at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha…you have been our light in the darkness, and we are eternally grateful for your love and support.