(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Joanne Christine (Nelsen) Behrens went home to be with Jesus on September 3, 2026 after nearly ninety years on earth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings, her son, Jeffrey and grandson Zachary who were taken too soon, and lots of other loved ones – several folks beating you in a race to the pearly gates is part of staying alive almost nine decades. In fact, there were so many waiting to give her the warm welcome that in her last hours here, she was sharing her excitement for “how busy I’ll be up there” when meeting Jesus and reuniting with so many she’s missed for so long.
Jo will be the sparkliest member of the heavenly welcoming committee when her husband Wayne eventually gets there and learns there was an asterisk in the lines of their song, “Can I Have This Dance For The Rest Of My Life that also includes an eternity in heaven. This is logical, since their wedding rings amazingly had “I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow” inscribed inside. compounding to a lot of love after more than 57 years of marriage.
She’ll someday be happy to embrace her daughter Vanessa, nieces Kitty, Sue and Lisa, nephews Mike and Steve, granddaughters Mandie and April, and great grandsons Jordan, Braiden, and Charlo, hairstylist Joni as well as a host of other friends who arrive – ideally not for many, many more years.
Joanne’s earthly life was quite full and exciting. At sixteen, she was arrested for drag racing down 6th Street in Racine. A trip to court with her dad (facing a judge who was her father’s Sunday school student) did not stop her from drag racing, but she’d never again be caught.
She loved serving and celebrating the Lord, reading,cooking, doing a variety of puzzles and beautifying everything she met- whether it was adorning her doors with floral wreaths that changed with the season, or doing the same with her cane, walker, and eventually her wheelchair as the need arose. If shopping was an olympic sport, she’d be able to decorate her doors and devices with gold medals.
Despite her ever-perfect hair (that was the result of loyal weekly beauty parlor appointments), and vast collection of blingy clothes and accessories , Jo was fond of neither getting her picture taken (do so at your own risk) nor having anyone make a fuss over her, which is likely why she requested no formal services to be held to celebrate her life.
Memorials would be appreciated to Youth For Christ of Southeastern WI.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Joni Haarbauer says:
Joanne has been a part of my life for the past 30 years as i saw her every week, and looked forward to our time together. She had become a
great friend, confidant, and mentor. Her strength amazed me many times as she was truly resilient. She will be sadly missed not just on Friday’s but everyday. Love you .
Lawrence Steponitis says:
I guess writing a whole novel could not even begin to tell the whole story. I met Joanne and Wayne at my place of business a few decades back. They have been very loyal customers over the years, but the most valuable part was the friendship we formed. Joanne was always fun to talk to, had a great sense of humor, and a little bit feisty at times, but in a fun way! Godspeed Joanne in your eternal home. I know your spirit will certainly live on with all the people you met along the way!
Barbara Dega says:
Dearest Wayne, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I never met your Joanne, she sounds like the perfect partner for you. Sending you much love and prayers.