JOAN ELIZABETH PLANK

(née Wick, Scheele, Olsen)

March 1, 1940 – July 28, 2026

Joan Elizabeth Plank was born on March 1, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was the youngest child of John and Emma Wick.

Joan attended Mother of Good Counsel School and graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School with the Class of 1958. She began her career as a telephone operator for AT&T before attending Milwaukee Area Technical College to become a dental assistant. She later worked for the Dean of the Marquette University School of Dentistry, where she dedicated more than 20 years of service before retiring at the age of 62.

In 1960, Joan married the late James L. Scheele, and together they raised three children: Jean, John, and Jacqueline. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She cherished time spent with her family, enjoyed rummaging for unique treasures, and loved wintering in Homosassa, Florida. Among her favorite treats were pizza from Balistreri’s Italian Ristorante and garlic bread from Mama Mia’s.

Joan was called to eternal rest on July 28, 2026. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Donald L. Plank; her children, Jean (Bob) Ross, John Scheele, and Jacqueline (Gerhard) Seibold; her stepchildren, Lee (Tom) Spolar and Laura (Jon) Leach; her grandchildren, Angela, the late Anthony, Carissa, Mitchell, Gaelan, and Isaac; her step-grandchildren, Calvin, Brodie, Beatrix, and Sylvie; and five great-grandchildren. She is also fondly remembered by Peg Bergeron, Karen Schmidt, Betty Hurni, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her first husband, James L. Scheele; William Olsen; her sister, Patricia (Gordon) Schroeder; her brothers, Dennis (Olga) Wick, Jerry (Arlene) Wick, and Ronnie Wick; and her grandson Anthony Tumidajewicz.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Lutheran Home, Horizon Hospice, and Pastor Derick M. Wolter for the compassionate care, support, and prayers they provided throughout Joan’s 13 years of residence at Lutheran Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at St. Alphonsus Church (6060 W Loomis Road, Greendale, WI ) from 9:30-10:45am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Following the Mass, internment will take place at St. Martin of Tours Cemetery (7963 S. 116th St, Franklin, WI).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Home or the Wisconsin Humane Society.