Joanne Louise Trapp

Joanne Louise Trapp, JoJo, who was born and raised in Arbor Vitae, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Joanne was born and blessed by the hands of Dr. Kate’s Hospital on April 9, 1957, in Woodruff. She was the daughter of Raymond and Mae (Harding) Trapp. Joanne attended AVW Grade School, Lakeland Union High School and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

JoJo had a personality that was larger than life and she is loved by so many. She gave the shirt off her back and sacrificed herself for others. She lived her life to the fullest and always lived vicariously through her family and friends whom she loved deeply to include; cousins, friends from Milwaukee, friends back home in Arbor Vitae, Minocqua, and Woodruff (yes alphabetical order). As you know, the Trapp’s alone are in the hundreds to which she had relationships with many.

She had an unconditional love for animals especially her beautiful and protective dog, Tanqueray. Yes, named after the gin. She loved all animals especially dogs, cats, horses, and even to include squirrels. She in fact loved them so much that she tried to feed a squirrel in Madison as a young girl while visiting her cousins that she got bit. We couldn’t find the squirrel and therefore she had to go through a series of rabies vaccines. JoJo also had a Shetland pony as a young girl, Laddie. She took to JoJo so well and she loved her, I can’t say the same for Laddie and others. She would lead him around like a dog and wonder why Mom wouldn’t let her bring Laddie into the house, meanwhile Laddie would be biting and kicking others. Don’t even ask about the black cat, rabbits, chickens, ducks and deer.

Joanne was what her family called a ready reference library, she read all the time.

She had extensive understanding and knowledge of all subjects. She did not speak without being able to back up the fact and her family and friends all knew this. We all could and did go to her for facts, whether or not we liked the answer. She had the memory of an elephant and I use to joke with her that she remembers in detail the day she was born, “Do you remember?” Those that knew her best knew she was a no BS kind of person.

Joanne loved to laugh and make others roar with laughter no matter the subject. I think dogs characteristics made her laugh the hardest. She had a great story for every family member, and don’t get me started on the giggle she would get at watching the clumsiness of humans. JoJo’s Facebook page is loaded with pranks and mess-ups, and of course her inevitable question ... “Do you remember?”

She moved to the Milwaukee area to be closer to her sister in the mid-70s and worked for Marquette Electronics and GE for years. Joanne moved back home to Woodruff/ Arbor Vitae in 2019 to be closer to her family and dear friends. She moved in with Tess Lisner, her long-time friend, for a short period of time. Tess introduced her to her next venture; becoming self employed, and taking care of seniors. 

She loved her clients deeply just as they loved her. Her most recent clients were Grady, Florence, and their precious dog Willie.

She loved to travel mostly with her high school friends; Sue Forbes, Missi Ash, Sharon Abraham and Robin Peshel. Oh my goodness the stories...

Joanne graduated from Lakeland Union High School in 1975. The Class of 1975 meant the world to Joanne. Over the past 50 years, Joanne never missed an opportunity to party with her classmates. If the gang was meeting for a fish fry, cocktails, birthday, breakfast, class reunion, Memorial Day party, or shopping, Joanne was there. Joanne will be in the hearts of the Class of ‘75 forever just as the Class of 1975 was in hers.

Joanne is survived by brother, Barry Trapp of Woodruff, sister, Shirley Mae (Gary) Engel of Pensacola Fla., sister-in-law Peggy (Zeinert) Trapp of Arbor Vitae, and further survived by adored nephews & nieces, Tim (Christine) Trapp, Clarksville, Tenn., Brenda (Johnny) Michaelson, Arbor Vitae, Becky (Curt) Howard, Woodruff, Chena LaHa Trapp Conroy, New Bern, N.C., Danny (Ann) Trapp, Arbor Vitae, Cari Sue Trapp, Minocqua, Tamra (Chris) Mayo, Arbor Vitae, Josh (Kristina) Trapp Overland Park, Kan., Zachery Trapp, Minocqua, Casey (Logan Haley) Engel, Ashville N.C., Jesse (Tyler) Murphy, Pensacola, Fla., and also survived by Aunt Patricia Harding Brusca, Waunakee.

Survived by great and great-great-nephews/nieces she adored: Matt (Megan) Peyton, Paige, Parker, Kimmy (Sam), Courtney (Joey), Dale (Lindsay) Brady, Adaline, Braxton and Brinley, Brandon, Brett, Catherine, Jacob, Justin, Joseph, Jayden, Trent (Samantha) Arthur, Donavan, Logan, Gavin, Cathie, Addison, Easton, Saylor, Blake Taylor.

Joanne was proceeded in death by parents; Raymond Trapp, Mae (Harding) Trapp. Brothers; Dennis Trapp, Johnny Trapp. Nephew; Dale Trapp, sister-in-law; Cathie Sue Meade Trapp. 

We the family cannot begin to thank all involved but a huge thank you to Jeff and Sue Forbes for always being there for Joanne (JoJo), her unconditional friends, her lifeline!

Even though I know she was not ready, God has decided to take her to our heavenly family. As of right now I’m not sure how I/we will go on without her.

Celebration of life on Jan. 27, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Thirsty Whale in Minocqua.

Service by friend: Pastor Stephen (Shelta) Linck Pensacola, Fla. and her most recent employer Pastor Dwayne (Dianna) Harpar Spirit.  

In lieu of your choice in donations please honor Joanne (JoJo) by sending donations to Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue in North Dakota https://turtlrmountainanimalrescue.org as she was an established member.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.