Joan Wanda (Stevenson) Gutknecht 92, of Merrill, Wisconsin went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully in her home on December 5th, 2020. Joan was born April 12, 1928 in Merrill to Hjalmar and Alma Stevenson. Her childhood was filled with love and laughter making many great memories that lasted her lifetime. On October 11th, 1947 she married Roger A. Gutknecht which began a marriage that lasted 73 years. They had 3 daughters, Wanda, Linda and Susan. Joan loved to entertain, cook and be with family and friends. Before she met Roger, she worked for Wisconsin Public Service and then became a stay-at-home mom. Later she worked as a secretary for several businesses. She was a girl scout leader for 10 years and the cookie chairman for 5 of those years. She enjoyed knitting, embroidery crosswords puzzles. She was a charter member of the Bible Presbyterian Church of Merrill where she joyfully served in many capacities, Sunday School teacher, Bethany Guild and cooking and hosting for youth and adult events. Joan was one of the first campers at Crescent Lake Bible camp in Rhinelander. Over the years she volunteered to clean cabins and cook for campers. Joan and Roger also loved and supported Camp Forrest Springs in Rib Lake. She volunteered as a Gray Lady at Pine Crest Nursing Home. She attended the Christian Woman’s Club in Wausau and then helped to start the one in Merrill. Joan and Roger were members of Gideons International where they served for over 45 years. In 1966 they purchased and grew Whispering Pines Mobile Home Court and Sales. In 1988 they developed East Gate Condominiums. In 1982 they opened the “Wisconsin Christmas Trees” business in Fayetteville Arkansas. At the Lincoln Country Fair they sold Granny’s Apples with their grandchildren for many years. Joan was proceeded in death by her parents, her three brothers, Floyd, Lee and Dale Stevenson and her 2 sisters Lola Waid and Vera Sutton. Survivors include her husband Roger, three daughters, Wanda (Don) Harris of Merrill, Linda (Steve) Mittelstadt of Marco Island, Florida and Susan (Dennis) Bergthold of Siloam Springs, AR. Seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. One surviving sister-in-law, Marlene Stevenson. Joan was known for her love of people, humor and her love for her Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says- “If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed and the new has come.”
Donations can be made in her memory by going to www.gideons.org or by picking up a Gideon In Memory Card at Bible Presbyterian or Waid Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Friday December 18th, 2020 at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill from 11am to 5pm. A private family service will be held on Saturday, December 19th, 2020 at Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill at 11am. Pastor Andy Perry will officiate.
Entombment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.
The service will be live streamed on the Facebook page, “Remembering Joan Gutknecht “
Please wear masks and social distancing will be practiced at the funeral home and church.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan W. Gutknecht, please visit our floral store.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday December 18, 2020
Waid Funeral Home
301 S. Eagle Drive
Merrill, WI 54452
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Leslie Janshen says
What a beautiful lady! She would just make you smile and want to be by her to visit.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My prayers to the Stevenson family, may your memories bring you smiles during this time of grief.
Maureen Larson says
My sincerest sympathies go out to all the Stevenson family. Our Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Prayers for all!
Fidele Dent says
She was a wonderful lady. I am glad I was able to meet her and Roger, we had some good laughs together.
Our thoughts and prayers to all of the Stevenson family.
Rick & Fidele Dent
Patricia J Shelton Brunson says
A very special Lady. I enjoyed my visits with her when she was in Miles City, several times. We had in common Siloam Springs, Ark. where my parents lived. And our grandsons live in Centennial, CO. So grateful for that time with her.
Pam Moths Nisley says
I have not met this beautiful woman of the Lord …yet….but I will one day!!! Such a life to model after💕 praying for all her dear loved ones, and safety for all those traveling! Marlene Stevenson, special hugs to you and your family❤️. You are another delightful woman in Jesus, for us to model after🤗 Todd was right, your APPLE SLICES BARS were amazing!!! Thank you for blessing our family❤️❤️❤️