Joann (Penk) Fleischman

Joann (Penk) Fleischman, 84, passed away on Tuesday, Mar. 8, 2022 at the Home Place of Dorchester. A memorial celebration of Joann’s life will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford on Saturday, May 14, with visitation from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. and a service to follow at 11 a.m., followed by lunch. Joann was born on Aug. 17, 1937 to Mary and John Penk of Bellinger. She attended Gilman schools and worked as a telephone operator, medical clerk, and cosmetologist. She spent most of her career owning and operating her own beauty salon, The Hair Bender, out of her home, and then in downtown Thorp. Joann had three children: Brian Kudasik, who died in 1987, Kim (Kudasik) Bernklau, married to Robert Bernklau of Medford, and Kandie (Syryczuk) Alter, married to Joe Alter of Chicago, Ill. Joann felt most passionately and carried an immense pride for her grandchildren Maxwell Bernklau of Medford; Paige (Bernklau) Werling, married to Brandon Werling, of Anchorage, Alaska; and Jerry Alter of Chicago, Ill.

1937-2022

Joann was an active member of the Thorp community, where she raised her family, operated her business, and worked to make Thorp a thriving business community. She was an avid crafter, golfer, and a frequent ringleader for parade floats and fund-raising activities. She spent her later years in the Medford area. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, spending every season cheering from the sidelines for volleyball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, baseball, and tennis matches.

Joann was preceded in death by her son, Brian; her mother and father; her brother, Jerry Penk; her husband, Tony Fleischman.

She is survived by her former husband, Irving Syryczuk; daughters, Kim and Kandie; sons-in-law, Bob and Joe; and grandchildren, Max, Paige, and Jerry.

Joann’s family plans to honor her through gifts to benefit causes in the community near and dear to Joann’s heart, as well as those who helped her live her final years and moments with dignity. In lieu of flowers, any donation will be used for that purpose in Joann’s name.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com.

Paid Obituary 120035