Joan Hudson

Joan Evon Hudson passed away peacefully at home in Oshkosh, WI on July 5, 2024. Joan was born on June 20, 1938, in Westfield, WI to parents Jessie (Weir) and Ira Schatzka.

Growing up in Westfield, WI, the Schatzka family, uncles and cousins played many instruments "by ear" and had great times making music together. Joan went on to earn a bachelor's degree at UW-Whitewater and a master's degree at UW-Madison. She began teaching at Oshkosh High School in 1959. Here, she met the love of her life, Doyle Hudson. They were married on August 6, 1966.

Joan taught at both Oshkosh High Schools in the Business Education Department from

1959-1969 and 1980-1997. During her teaching career, Joan began the first Secretarial Co-op program in Wisconsin in 1964, co-advised the first Pom Pon squad at OHS in 1962, advised FBLA and Pep Club and began the first GED program at Oshkosh Technical Institute in 1969. She enjoyed her years of teaching and found them both challenging and rewarding. She always enjoyed meeting students long after their graduation.

Joan also enjoyed being an at-home mom and raising her two children for 10 years. In retirement she loved spending time with her grandchildren (and their "grandma hugs"). Serving God was important to her. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on many committees, volunteered countless hours and loved making crafts for the church bazaar. She also enjoyed traveling the world with Doyle.

Throughout the years, she kept in contact with high school friends, sorority sisters, teacher, friends and neighbors. In 2019 Joan and Doyle moved to Evergreen Retirement Community where they so enjoyed the residents and workers. She truly valued every friendship she made and felt very lucky to have had so many of you visit and contact her during these past few weeks.

Joan is survived by her husband, Doyle Hudson; son, Jeff (Char) Hudson of Oshkosh; daughter, Julie (Jason) Voelker of Neenah; grandchildren, John and Sarah Hudson and Wyatt and Margo Voelker.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Jessie Schatzka; brother, DaWayne Schatzka; granddaughter Anna Charlotte Voelker; sister in-law Doris Schatzka; brother in-law Larry Hudson.

A big thank you to all the healthcare workers at Aurora Hospital of Oshkosh, Aurora at Home Hospice, Evergreen and Home Instead that cared for Joan these past few months. Your kindness and compassion were greatly appreciated.

Visitation to honor and celebrate Joan's life will take place on Saturday, July 13 at First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54901 from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to First United Methodist Church of Oshkosh or a charity of your choice.