Joanne M. Freese, 83, of Stockton, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 28, 2018. She was born on May 1, 1935 to Albertus "Mike" and Stella (Tranel) Ricke. She married James "Jim" Freese on May 15, 1954 at Nativity BVM in Menominee, IL. Joanne was a homemaker, raising their five children, and worked alongside Jim during his cheese making career. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. Joanne enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre. She also enjoyed baking bread, gardening, dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joanne is survived by her children; Rick (Cindy) Freese of Pearl City, Daryl (Janet) Freese, Michael (Jill) Freese, and Rhonda (Geoff) Perry all of Stockton; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, with four more babies on the way, a brother; Ken (Dorothy) Ricke of Sparta, WI, and a son-in-law Don Kunz of Stockton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Deanna Kunz, and her husband James in 2017.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton.

A visitation will be from 9 until time of services on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Father Michael Morrissey will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton.

A memorial has been established in her name.