Joan Ruth Chittum

Joan Ruth Chittum (Marx) passed away on June 19, 2023. She was born May 21, 1935 in Fond du Lac, WI to the late Clarence and Gladys (Ours) Marx. After graduating from Campbellsport High School in 1953, she moved to Milwaukee and worked at Northwestern Mutual. It was in Milwaukee that she met her husband; James. They were united in marriage on April 28, 1955 and together they moved to Wausau where she resided until her death. James passed away on October 7, 1970. After his death, Joan was employed with SNE Crestline until her retirement in 1998. Joan was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church. She enjoyed her cottage in Tomahawk for many years, and was especially blessed with a wide circle of friends. She enjoyed traveling with her daughter Rhonda and sister Pat which included cruises, Mexico, the Bahamas and Las Vegas. More than anything, she adored and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would never miss an important event in their lives. She was immensely proud of her family, and a holiday or birthday was best celebrated with her entire family beside her. 

Survivors include her sons, Paul (Debra), and Scott Chittum, and daughter, Rhonda (Michael) Kardos, all of Wausau, four grandchildren Scott (Kacee) Chittum of Mosinee, Joseph Chittum, Eau Claire, Jacob (Melissa) Chittum, Kronenwetter, and Kristin (Jacob) Ingersoll, of Elkhorn, WI, her great-grandchildren, Norah and Knox Chittum, Kashton and Maddox Chittum and Wesley and Hazel Chittum, her sisters Patricia Marx of Manitowoc, WI and Geraldine (Raymond) of Kewaskum, WI and sister-in-law Barb Marx of Fond du Lac. 

In addition to her husband and parents, preceding Joan in death include her brother Clarence Jr., her sister Mary and brother-in-law Leander, her sister Charlene and brother-in-law Loren, her sister Elaine and brother-in-law John, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Craig and Lois Chittum and infant grandson Paul Joseph Chittum. 

The family would like to thank Interim Healthcare for the care they provided their mother, particularly Jenny and Tim who quickly came to know Joan and her family and showed tremendous kindness and compassion during Joan's illness. 

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday June 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church (700 W Bridge St, Wausau, WI 54401). Fr. Tom Lindner Will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the hour of service at the church.