Joan Gertrude (Brink) Aniol

Joan Gertrude (Brink) Aniol, age 92 of Kimberly, died on March 5, 2022, at home. She was born on November 24, 1929, in Chicago, IL.

Joan is survived by her children, James (Karen), Michael (Debie) and Gail (Tim Bryant). She is also survived by her sister, Jerry Staszak; sisters in law, Sandy Brink and Beverly Aniol; and brother-in-law, Joel Adams. Also, her 10 grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Richard; parents, John and Gertrude Brink; sister, Loretta; brother, John; mother in and father-in-law, Helen and Stanley Aniol; daughter in law, Sheila; sister-in-law, Mary Adams; and brothers in law Arthur and Edward Aniol and John Staszak.

Joan was born in Chicago, IL where she met Richard at a party in October 1947. They were united in marriage in January 1948, but in fact he told her the night they met that he wanted to marry her!

They raised their family in Chicago, sharing a backyard with her in laws Stanley and Helen Aniol. Grandpa Aniol was a little rough around the edges, but grandma Aniol was the sweetest lady ever. Soon Joan and her sister-in-law, Beverly were learning many wonderful things from the Bible, about Jehovah God and his wonderful promises for future happiness. In May 1963 Joan and Beverly were Baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They remained special friends all these years: calling each other most every Sunday and having a special call every May, each having a glass of wine.

In 1970 Joan’s son Mike moved to Wisconsin and soon after Richard and Joan moved up to North Dakota where Richard had friends. They met the Bryant family; Beverly Bryant became very ill and Joan helped care for her and the kids until Beverly passed away. The families have remained close ever since then.

There were several more moves… including time in Hot Springs Arkansas to live by grandpa and grandma Aniol, with Joan nursing her father in law until he passed. They also lived in Texarkana, TX for a few years- working with a congregation there and reconnecting with old friends Bonnie Cornelius and Ellie Young.

By 1980 Jim, Mike and Gail were living in Wisconsin with their young families. Soon Richard and Joan moved to the Appleton area to be with their growing family. After the move they also had many wonderful experiences of helping to build Kingdom Halls across the state. We cannot name all the special friends that came from these projects, but we remember you all.

After Richard’s death, Joan moved to Kimberly. Experiencing debilitating health over the years, but remaining faithful in serving her God, Jehovah and in showing love and consideration for all she met.

When unable to leave her apartment she listened to our congregation meetings on the telephone. She would also call in to other congregations, where her family and close friends attended and listen in to their meetings hoping to hear her loved ones comments.

After she got her first tablet (in her early 80’s), she enjoyed watching the many videos on JW.org. She especially enjoyed listening to the music, and original songs from people across the earth.

When COVID came to the states ZOOM meetings started. Joan truly loved being able to join the congregation meetings- to see all the friends faces, and to be able to comment during the study.

During her last week we played her favorite songs from the website. We spoke to her of her faith in Jehovah God’s many promises of hope for our future. Of a day when she will be resurrected to life again, on a paradise earth, reunited with her loving family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the friends of Central Congregation for their loving concern and support these many years.

We also want to thank her health care givers at the ThedaCare Regional Emergency, and hospital. Also, thanks to the hospice workers, who delivered and picked up the equipment and to all the nurses and CPA’s for their loving, kind care her last few days.

There are so, so many more special friends and family, too many to name who were especially loved by our mother, Joan.

A special thank you to her grand daughter, Bethany who took loving care of her dear grandma on a daily basis these last many years.

A memorial service will be held on ZOOM ID 81966752715 Passcode 808574 on March 19, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. A slideshow will be played from 2-3:00 p.m. Central time.