Joan Mary Shwed

Joan Mary Shwed passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, surrounded by loved ones.

Born July 19, 1940, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Joan “Joni” was the daughter of Allan and Marie (Paulick) Ransom. She graduated from St. Mary’s Springs High School. On September 3, 1960, Joni married the love of her life, Joseph “Joe” Shwed. They built a beautiful life based on a foundation of love and commitment to one another. They truly had a marriage to admire. Together, they raised two daughters, Julie and Jacki, whom they adored.

Joni worked at the Crouch Brothers grocery store, 101 Supper Club, and then Holiday Inn, where her dedication and professionalism earned her a promotion to Sales and Catering Manager. She later joined her daughter, Julie, and son-in-law, Todd Lavey, as a Sales Manager at Badger State Auto Auction until her retirement. Joni had a special knack for sales, as she made each customer feel valued and appreciated.

Known for her generosity and compassion, Joni lived a life filled with acts of kindness. Always impeccably dressed – “looking sharp,” as Joe would say – she also carried herself with grace and style. After Joe’s passing, Joni volunteered at Parkside Elementary, where she founded the Grandpa Joe’s Readers Are Leaders Book Club to honor her late husband. She regularly read to children, donated books, and provided support to classrooms and the school at large. She donated the school’s outdoor electronic sign that displayed messages in both English and Spanish to keep families informed of school news and events.

Joni was a devoted friend who enjoyed bringing people together. She had a true gift for hosting – every gathering was thoughtfully planned down to the very last detail. Joni was a natural leader and meticulous organizer. Her home was a place of laughter and love, reflecting her spirit and passion for making others feel welcome and cared for.

Family was everything to Joni – no one loved more fiercely than her. She was known for ending a conversation with, “I love you more.” Joni did not just spend time with her family, she absolutely cherished it. She felt every conversation, every laugh, every hug was a blessing. Joni was endlessly proud of her daughters and their families. She especially found joy in the time spent with her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Their happiness was her sunshine, giving her constant motivation and inspiring her resilience. Joni made the most of every moment with her family, creating so many memories that will live on forever.

Despite a complex medical history, Joni faced health obstacles with courage, dignity, strength, and unwavering determination. Nobody had more zest for life than Joni. She was a fighter and lived passionately and deeply in her faith each day.

Joni’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Paul Bernstein at St. Luke’s, Dr. Maria Saleh, and Dr. Gabriel Litman for their exceptional care over the years.

Joni is survived by her daughters, Julie (Todd) Lavey and Jacki Crum (partner Henri Um); grandchildren, Jacob (Laura) Lavey, Kristin (Eric) Jourdan, Nicole Lavey, Sydney Lavey (fiancé Kaine Mertens), Talia Crum (Thomas Steffel), and Olivia Crum; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Liam Lavey, Tripp and Blaire Jourdan; brother, John (Evie) Ransom; sister, Loni Behnke; sister-in-law, Marjean Ransom; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Shwed; brothers, Allan and James Ransom; and sister, Jeannie Hopp.

The visitation will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Holy Family Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 PM on Tuesday at church. Cremation will follow the traditional services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Joseph and Joan Shwed, as this was an organization close to her heart.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com