Joan Margaret Ringelstetter Weiss passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 23, 2011. Rather than waging an all-out battle with ovarian cancer, she preferred to find balance and enjoy life in her last years and on her own terms. She showed by her example that it doesn't matter how your life ends, but rather how it is lived.

Joan was born with her best friend and twin sister Judi Ferstl on Aug. 26, 1946 to parents Pauline and Clement Ringelstetter of Plain. They were joined over the years by sisters, Rita Erickson (Arnie) of Tomah, Ann Keith (Jim) of Las Vegas, NV, and Carol Wise (Steve) of Carrollton, TX and brothers, Nick Ringelstetter (Kay) of Prairie du Sac, and Richard Ringelstetter (Jean) of Boise, ID. It was and is a rambunctious and happy family.

Joan married her soulmate, Robert Weiss on April 23, 1966. Together, they built a good life and enjoyed many happy moments. Their children, Jeanne Rosen (Tony) of Middleton, Paul Weiss (Lu Ann) of Plymouth, MN, and Molly Petroff (David) of Waunakee, have given Joan and Bob five extraordinary grandchildren, Claire and Lydia Weiss, Elizabeth Rosen, and Elliot and Josie Petroff. Joan is survived by all of them as well as her aunts, Donna Hutter of Cambridge and MaryAnn Liegel of Plain, and many nieces and nephews. Joan also leaves her sister-in-law, Sr. Jane Weiss, O.P. of Racine; brother-in-laws, Daniel (Mary) of Spring Green, David (Myra) of Prairie du Sac and Dennis (Gloria Nachreiner) of Mauston.

Joan was preceeded in death by her parents, Clem and Pauline Ringelstetter; grandparents, Herman and Mary Hutter and Michael and Margaret Ringelstetter; in-laws, Teresa and Louis Weiss and Edna Meise Weiss; and her former foster son, David Wetzel.


The family wishes to thank the staff at Anderson Hospice Care Center and Home Health United and her exceptional nurse, Emily. Special thanks for the support and prayers from the inclusive faith community of Holy Wisdom Monastery.



If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA) at www.wisconsinovariancancer.com would be much appreciated by the family. Also suggested are donations to the Sauk Prairie Historical Society or the Ruth Culver Memorial Library.



Joan did not wish rituals of any kind. A memorial website has been established at http://memorial.yourtribute.com/joanweiss/. Information about a future memorial gathering will also be posted on the site. Please add your story about Joan and carry her in your memory.

A gathering to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Sunday, June 12 2011 from 1:00 pm unitl 4:00 pm at the Dorf Haus Restaurant, Highway Y, Roxbury.