Joan Harter

Joan F. Harter entered into the Lord’s arms surrounded by family December 12, 2018, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Wausau Manor.

Joan was born November 12, 1930 in Wausau to the late Elmer and Emma (Fischer) Rainville.  She met her husband John Joseph Harter Jr., through her brothers, and the couple married November 26, 1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She went on to have eight children.

Joan was very well known for the many dedicated years she spent running Harter’s Bar with her father-in-law, John Harter Sr.  Many friends were made throughout the years.  There is always a story of the fun that was had by all!

From all her past times she loved to shop, have play girls dates with her sister, Lizzy, and to simply just have people to have a good time with.  She will be missed by anyone who knew her from mom, grandma, neighbor, or friend.

Her faith is a testament to who she was.  Church was a very important part of her life.  The EWTN channel was always on and spent many late nights with Mother Angelica on the television.

Joan is survived by her children, Jackie (Wayne) Ziebell, Debbie (Jerry) Klug, John (Louise) Harter, Jimmy Harter, Mary (Darrell) Goetsch, Jeff (Shaune) Harter all of Wausau and Joe (Lisa) Harter of Tennessee.  She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Joyce Holzman-Rainville; and all her extended family and friends.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, John Harter Jr.; daughter, Joni Lehman; grandson, Jameson Jerome Klug; siblings, Marion Newell, Margaret Wolfe, Elizabeth Rohmeyer, Anthony, Elmer, Jerome, Jerry, Charles and Lloyd Rainville.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 18 at St. Anne Parish, Wausau.  Fr. Tom Linder will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, December 17 at St. Anne Parish with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; visitation resumes at 9:00 AM until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.  Entombment will be at Restlawn Mausoleum.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

A heartfelt word of appreciation goes to the doctors, nurses and staff of Marshfield Clinics, Aspirus Wausau Hospital-Palliative Care and Wausau Manor for their kind and compassionate care for Joan and her family.