Joann Clarice Salek

Jo Ann C. Salek (nee Vitek), passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, with her family by her side.

Jo Ann was born on January 7, 1936, in Highbridge, Wisconsin, to the late Joseph and Mildred (nee Tobin) Vitek. She was the second oldest of eleven children. Jo Ann and her siblings made the proverbial trek to and from home to attend the one room elementary school and then the high school in Mellen. She put herself through teacher's college and taught the elementary grades for 5 years in Phillips, Wisconsin. When Jo Ann married in 1960, she took a break from teaching to help her husband, Leonard ("Len/Lennie") on the Salek Dairy farm. In September 1970, Jo Ann and Len moved their young family to Catawba, Wisconsin.  While raising her family, Jo Ann was involved in several rural community organizations, elected to the church council, and participated in certain church circles. Before leaving Price County, Jo Ann briefly returned to the teaching field as a Head Start Director in Prentice, Wisconsin.

In 1989, Jo Ann and Len moved to the Fond du Lac area, where she continued to serve and mentor in early childhood learning programs for various daycare businesses (such as, the Kohler Company and then at Quad Graphics) before she retired in 2003. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing the daily development of all the youngsters that were in her tender loving care.

No matter what age or status in life, Jo Ann always believed it was better to share and encourage one's knowledge of the world and of their community. She continued that philosophy when she became a resident at Crossroads Care Center in Mayville in 2016. Along with her fellow residents, she participated in a variety of programs offered at Crossroads. She loved to read, cross stich, paint, garden, and listen to music and other programs on the radio. Jo Ann was a person of generous spirit and will be missed by all that knew her.

Those left to cherish Jo Ann's memory include her beloved husband and faithful friend of 64 years, Len; three children, Jan (Steve) Anderson of West Allis, David Salek of Racine, and Jodee (Steve) Pegelow of Juneau; seven grandchildren, Thomas Pullman, Tobyn (Chelsey) Pullman, Maxwell Konetzki, Stanton Konetzki, Wesley Anderson, Erin Anderson, and Josie Salek; five great-grandchildren, Takodah Pullman, Rylen Pullman, Oliver Pullman, May Belle Pullman, and Myles Salek; five brothers, LeRoy (Charlotte) Vitek, Donald Vitek, Duane (Sharon) Vitek, and

Martin (Donna Burns) Vitek, and Kenny (Vicki) Vitek; two sisters, Marlene (Dan) Salek and Cherryl (John Hohenstein) Mesko; son-in-law Alan Konetzki, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Jo Ann is preceded in death by three children, Elle "Cindy" Konetzki, Ruth Salek, and Joseph Salek; two brothers, Gary Vitek and Dennis Vitek; sister, Dawn Rikkola; three sister-in laws, Monica Vitek, Delores Vitek and Ruth Salek.

VISITATION: Jo Ann's family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Myrhum — Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 15 S. Walnut Street, Mayville, from 11:00 a.m., until 1:00 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service for Jo Ann will follow visitation on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1p.m. with Pastor Traci Maass of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating the service.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice or donations to National Public Radio or Milwaukee Public Television appreciated.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Crossroads Care Center in Mayville, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, Froedtert West Bend Hospital, and Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care for their support.

Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jo Ann's arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.