Joanne R. Friedrich

Joanne Ruth Friedrich, 83, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on October 18th, 2026.

Born on May 11th, 1943, in Wausau Wisconsin to Lawrence Ninnemann and Dolores (Zahrt) she grew up in the Town of Wausau. She grew up on her parents' Dairy Farm, attended Trinity Lutheran School House and then Wausau East High School.

Joanne worked at Murray Machinery, Job Service and the Department of Natural Resources. In retirement, Joanne volunteered at Bethesda Thrift Shop and enjoyed solving jigsaw and word-search puzzles.

Joanne shared 60 years with Arnold Friedrich. Together they spent summer weekends and holidays at their "Up North" cottage on the lake. Together they enjoyed many special trips to Great Britain, Germany, Bahamas, Niagara Falls, Hawaii and Alaska. Together they often travelled to see family in Texas, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico and California. Locally, Joanne enjoyed spending dinners with her "Job Service" friend group, and Casino trips with her close friends.

Joanne's love of the outdoors shone through in her enjoyment of flowers, gardening, fishing, walks in the woods, pontoon rides and snowmobiling. She enjoyed creating a warm and cheerful home with myriads of decorations for every season. She brought joy to family and friends by sending timely warm wishes in envelopes decorated in colorful stickers for holidays and birthdays.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Arnold Friedrich, her children Keith and Melissa (Baxter) Friedrich, Christopher Enuke and Amy Friedrich-Enuke, her Grand-Children; Kylie, Kole and Kenzie Friedrich and Annahstasia, Christopher and Sundiata Enuke and her brother Dale Ninnemann. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Dolores Ninnemann and her brother, James Ninnemann.

A funeral will be held on October 23rd at 11:00 am at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 238537 Del Rio Rd. Wausau, WI. 54403.

Visitation will take place from 9:00 am - 11:00am at St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

A graveside service will follow services at Mechanic's Ridge Cemetery.  

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church 238537 Del Rio Road, Wausau, WI 54403

The family extends its gratitude to her hospice caregivers and visitors.