Joanne Kwasniewski

Joanne Kwasniewski, age 90, of Madison, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Madison
Regional Health System.
The public is invited to a memorial visitation from 4-6 PM on Saturday, January 6 th at Rustand-
Weiland Funeral Chapel. Online guestbook is at www.rustandweilandfuneral.com.
Joanne Marilyn Petersen was born on March 22, 1933 to Elmer and Pearl (Eggebraaten)
Petersen. Together with sisters Rochelle and Kathy, the family lived outside of Rutland on the
family farm. Growing up on a farm sparked a love of animals that spanned her lifetime. In
addition to animals, Joanne played in the band during school and joined a bowling league. She
went to Dakota State College as a non-traditional student for 2 years to be an administrative
assistant.
Joanne and Charlie were married on July 14, 1978. Between the two they had 8 children.
Joanne and Charlie moved to Big Stone Lake and enjoyed visits from family, eating Charlie’s
fresh caught fish and doing crafts with the grandkids. Joanne and Charlie had a small business
carving and painting wooden ducks that kept them busy. One Christmas, Charlie gifted her a
Bob Ross paint set. This was the start of many years of painting canvases, saw blades, furniture
and rocks. She had a special knack for picking out the perfect rock for each of her paintings. She
loved making quilts, gathering quilt patterns, fabric and magazines. She made sure that each
grandchild got one, plus other special friends. There was always a new quilt on display when
you went for a visit.
After Charlie retired, the duo moved back to Madison to be closer to family. While living out her
life here, she enjoyed quilting, squirrel watching, and made sure you left her house with some
newly crocheted dish rags.
She was greeted in Heaven by her beloved cats – Shortstop, Monster and Sassy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Debi, and granddaughter Arielle.
Survivors include husband Charlie, 8 children – John Krause (Debi), Richard Krause, David
Krause, Steve Krause, JoLynn Verhey, Lisa Jung, Karla Smith (Raden), and Vicki Thornton
(Tommie), 15 grandchildren – Jennifer Tieszen, Shawn Krause, Trevor Krause, Brian Krause, Beth
Keehn, Alison Verhey, Greg Jung, Amanda Boyd, Jonny Jung, Ryne Smith, Olivia Kinsella, Kiley
Friedrich, Talia Athey, Kristina Wagemann, and Gabby Burcham, 18 great-grandchildren and 2
great-great-grandchildren.