Joan Theresa Swetish, 83, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Ascension All Saints Hospital. Joan was born in Racine, the daughter of Louis and Joan (Nee: Toth) Szabo (Proud to be Magyar) on December 23, 1938. In 1957 she married the late Richard H. Johnson and had three children, Sue Arneson, Rick Johnson and Mike Johnson. Joan was a strong and courageous woman. After her divorce in 1973, with three kids under the age of 15, she got herself out in the workforce and started at Kurten Medical Clinic. This career path led her to over 40 years (never late) of service with All Saints, retiring in 2007. She married Joel B. Swetish in 1991 and was with him until his death in 2002. Joan took great pride in her home and yard, and along with her longtime neighbor and friend Rose Bratton, would get out and brave the most treacherous of snowstorms. They snowblowed and shoveled with skill and finesse. What Joan was best at, being the “solid rock” for her children and granddaughter. She was there for us all our lives. She had a special ability of getting things done, along with getting those around her to do the same. To say she will be missed is a colossal understatement. Joan leaves behind to cherish her memory daughter, Sue Arneson, son Rick Johnson, sister-in-law Dorothy Szabo and cousins Sally (Jerry) Wridt and Alex (Beth) Sabo. She was preceded in death by her son Mike Johnson, brother Louis Szabo and her beloved granddaughter Kristen Arneson in March of this year. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family are appreciated. Funeral Services for Joan will be held Monday, December 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Strouf Funeral Home, 1001 High Street, Racine. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park Chapel.
My thoughts and prayers to Joan and her family.
My mom worked with Joanie at Kurten. When we would go to the doctor we would visit with her and she would give my sister and I 50 cents to buy candy. I always got Skittles. When my son was little we went to visit her and brought her hard rolls from O&H. Mom said she loved them. My 1 year old was with and she enjoyed watching him play with a hot wheel car. I remember getting birthday cards from her too. She was the sweetest lady with the most infectious smile and great sense of humor. Joanie you will be missed!