Joanne Louise Moore

Joanne was born on December 1, 1933, in La Crosse, WI, to Jens and Mathilda Anderson. She lived on a farm in Ebner's Coulee until she was three years old. Her parents then moved the family to a farm between La Crescent and Hokah known as Miller's Corner. After graduating from Central High School, Joanne was named La Crescent's Applefest Queen of 1952, a highlight of her youth. Mom was blessed with natural beauty, which often caught the attention of others. Nonetheless, she remained a very humble person throughout her life. She met her future husband, Aloysius Moore, Jr., while working as a waitress at Niebuhr's Coffee Shop in La Crescent. Legend has it that Al captured her heart by leaving a poem on a napkin! They married soon after and went on to raise 5 children in the former convent of the Crucifixion Church, which they had moved to the corner of 4th and Maple in La Crescent in 1957. Joanne and Al were members of the Crucifixion parish, and Mom was a member of the Maria Goretti Church Circle. She worked at the Ranch Motel in La Crescent when her children were very young, followed by many years as a custodian at the Crucifixion School together with Al, and later as one of the school cooks before retiring in 1999. 

Joanne was a private person and didn't venture far from home in her later years. Mom found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially crossword puzzles. She spent a lot of time sitting at her kitchen table or on the front porch in La Crescent talking with whomever happened to show up that day; we all have many fond memories of those visits. Her playful sense of humor always found its way into the conversation. Mom graciously hosted most holiday gatherings and prepared countless meals that brought everyone together, including the annual Applefest parade day gathering for anyone wanting to stop by for barbecue and apple pie. 

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters Dorothy Schaefer, Delores Ritter, and Helen Greider, her daughter-in-law Jackie Moore, her grandson Jason Moore, and several brothers-in-law. 

Joanne is survived by her children: Larry Moore, Karen (Bill) Kasten, Robert (Sue) Moore, Cathy (Ron) May and Steven Moore; brother Merlin (Karen) Anderson; sisters-in-law Katy (Bob) Langen, and Carol Moore; grandchildren Erin Moore, Carrie Staehly, Jacob and Alex Moore, Taylor Shahbazi, Scott, Robert, and Michael Kasten, Dustin and Ethan May, Andrea Hancock, Andrew Adams, Caleb and Lucas Moore, as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Joanne will be remembered for her love of family, her sense of humor, and the family traditions she cherished. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse, especially Janaan, RN, and CNAs Nancy, Sharon, and Brianna, for the wonderful care they gave our mother. 

A Celebration of Life will take place at The American Legion, 731 Sand Lake Road, in Onalaska, on Saturday, October 18, from noon until 3 pm. 

The family appreciates your love and support. As the American Legion cannot receive deliveries, Karen Kasten will be accepting floral contributions no later than October 17 at 524 8th Ave North, Onalaska, WI 54650, and they will be brought to the celebration the following day. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be sent to Crucifixion School in La Crescent, MN.