DELAVAN – Johanna Rose Angie (Toste) Mueller of Delavan, WI was called home to our Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 13, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Albany, NY on August 20, 1941 to Joseph and Christina Toste. Johanna was a joy to be around and she brought so much joy and happiness to anyone who knew her. She went to Proviso High School in Maywood, IL. After high school, Johanna met the man she would call her husband for over 63 years. Ralph and Johanna were married on December 3, 1960 in Forest Park, IL. Ralph and Johanna were the best of friends and lived each part of their wedding vows to the fullest. They had four children, Calli (Dale) Brellenthin, of Elkhorn, Debra J. (Kelly) Mueller, of Tampa, FL, Joseph John (Kim) Mueller, of Milton, WI, and Traci M. (Eric) Wurstner, of St. Augustine, FL.
Johanna was such a proud and dedicated mother of four. She prided herself on family, and on raising four children that are well accomplished and had families of their own. She loved being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and most of all a wife.
Johanna was the toughest, strongest, and bravest woman to walk the earth. She battled lupus for over 60 years and later battled pancreatic cancer and kidney issues. Johanna took each hurdle like a champion and her family called her “The Energizer Bunny,” as nothing got her down or stopped her from accomplishing what she set her mind to. If you knew Johanna, you knew she would not let anything slow her down.
Johanna is preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Nathan Dale Brellenthin; aunts, uncles, and other family members.
Johanna is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ralph; four children, Calli, Debra, Joseph, and Traci; five grandchildren, Jacob Brellenthin, Ian Mueller, Alicia Mueller, Emerick Wurstner, Isabella Rose Wurstner; three great grandchildren, Melanie Mueller, Avery Plummer, and Sawyer Plummer; and two sisters, Mildred Toste, of CA, and Lucrezia O’Brien, of IL.
Johanna worked for over 50 years in the hospitality industry. She worked at Arlington Heights Racetrack for 8 years, Lake Lawn Lodge for 10 years, Playboy Club for over 20 years, and Interlaken for 10 years. Johanna also spent 8 years as an LPN. After retirement Johanna wanted to give back to her community so she took on part time work at Vintage of the Pond helping and caregiving to others for over 5 years.
Johanna enjoyed living and being part of, as she would say, “her beloved Delavan.” In the early 1980’s Johanna was first runner up of Ms. Oktoberfest, where she enjoyed working with the community in food banks and different community projects Oktoberfest supported. Johanna was also Gingerbread Boy at the children’s community shopping giveaway. She could be seen in many events laughing and celebrating with her friends and family. Johanna was the life of any event or party. The hole left in our family and hearts will never be able to be replaced. Her spirit was infectious, and she could make you laugh in a flash by her silly antics, and her full-on humor will be recalled for many years to come.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 714 E. Walworth Avenue in Delavan. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Johanna’s name to Congdon Gardens.
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