Joanne Carla Bruch, age 88, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on December 7, 2023 with family by her side at Clement Manor, in Greenfield, WI.

Joanne was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on August 12, 1935, to Elinor (Perry) Larson and James Larson. She grew up in the Heart Prairie and Whitewater area. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1953.

On October 23, 1954 Joanne married Harry Bruch at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Joanne worked at Whitewater Electronics from 1964 to 1980, and then worked with the IUE offices in Milwaukee, eventually retiring as the IUE Staff Representative for the state of Wisconsin in 1991. She continued her union affiliation in retirement by chairing the retiree group for District 8 and serving as a board member for the Wisconsin Council of Senior Citizens for many years.

Joanne will forever be known as an outgoing and social person, who loved enjoying puzzles, card games, and social activities with friends and family. She had quite a way with words. All were welcome at her house and no one left her house hungry. Joanne was a proud and ardent member of the Democratic Party. She is also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater, WI, where she spent many Friday afternoons happily folding bulletins.

Surviving her are: daughter Arlene (Jeff Ugorek) Gries of Oregon, IL, daughter Kathlene “Kasey” (Dr. Conrad Nenn) Bruch-Nenn of Cudahy, WI, son Steven Bruch of Hammond, LA, daughter Paulene (Randy) Euhardy of Sugar Bush, WI, daughter Jennifer (Frank) Delgado of Lake Geneva, WI, daughter Janis (Leonard “Butch”) Witt of Whitewater, WI, as well as 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, Joanne is survived by many nieces and nephews, sister-in-laws and brother-in laws, and friends of all ages she considered her sons, daughters, or sisters of choice.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Elinor and James, her husband Harry, her brother James, and her sister Jeannie Patrick.

Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 145 S Prairie St. Whitewater, WI, on December 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow immediately at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joanne’s honor to First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude towards Clement Manor, as well as, Allay Home & Hospice for their exceptional care of Joanne.