Joan M. Trudeau

Joan Marie Trudeau, age 75, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, after courageously battling cancer. Her final days were filled with love, laughter, and the presence of those who cherished her most.

Born on August 6, 1950, in Oshkosh, Joan’s life was a vibrant tapestry of compassion, creativity, and resilience. She spent her early years in Oshkosh before living in Cable, Wisconsin, and later in Chicago, Illinois, where she worked in the medical field, serving patients in clinics from Orland Park, Illinois to Gary, Indiana. After returning to Oshkosh, Joan became a foster parent and devoted herself to caring for developmentally disabled individuals, offering them dignity, support, and unconditional love.

Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Gerald and Leila Schlenske. She was preceded in death by her sisters Kathleen Meyer and Barbara Roberts, her brother James Schlenske and his wife Victoria Schlenske, her son Paul Christopher Jenkins, her former husband and lifelong best friend Lawrence Trudeau, and her beloved nephew Jeffrey Dillman.

She is survived by her loving children:

-Traci Goebig and her partner Matthew Blitzblau, and Traci’s children: Jordan Goebig (Adam Rahn) and their daughter Lennox, Bruce Goebig, Hannah Goebig (Dale Goodall), Abigail Goebig (Dylan Barron), and David Goebig.

-Sara Tinklenberg and her husband Aaron, and their sons Ethen and August Tinklenberg.

-Jessica Grant and her husband Aaron, and their children: Tatianna Grant, Nicole Grant (Charles Jackson) and their children Nyla and Kasch, and Erin Grant and her son Legend.

-Justin Trudeau and his partner Stephanie Brey, and their sons Maximus and Leonidas.

-Alexandrea Trudeau and her partner William Drawenek, and Alexandrea’s children Lillian and Gavin.

Joan is also survived by her sisters Mary Pearson, Patricia Dallman, and Marjorie Vizcaya; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her cherished goddaughters Airika, Ariyana, and Ariana.

She remained close with her dear friends Mark Barbash, Kelli Boese, and Ryannon Szafranek, who brought joy and companionship throughout her life.

Joan’s greatest joy came from being a mother, grandmother, and godmother. She poured her heart into raising her children and caring for others. Her gentle strength, vibrant personality, quirky sense of humor, and deep empathy left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Joan had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Joan had a profound love for art—especially painting—and found peace and purpose in her creations. She also had a flair for home decorating, always finding a way to make her spaces feel warm, welcoming, and uniquely her own. Whether arranging furniture just so or adding thoughtful touches to every corner, she had a way of turning any place she lived into a reflection of her creativity and heart. She adored musicals, with Phantom of the Opera holding a special place in her heart.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on October 17, 2025, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Dr. Oshkosh, WI 54904. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a service at 5:00 p.m.

In honor of Joan’s vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests that guests do not wear black, but instead come dressed in bright, artistic colors. This reflects Joan’s belief that life should be celebrated in color, joy, and creativity—just as she lived it. She wanted her farewell to be a reflection of the beauty she saw in the world and the light she brought to others.