Joan Irene (Zehm) Love

Joan I. Love, 92, of Gordon, WI, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

Joan was born on September 28, 1933, in Spooner, WI to Edward and Mary Zehm. She grew up in the town of Casey on the homestead at Deer Lake. She graduated from Spooner High School in 1952 and immediately “flew free” to the Twin Cities where she worked at Montgomery Ward department store for several years. Joan married the love of her life, Herbert Love, on June 2, 1956, and the couple moved to Gordon, WI. They enjoyed 68 wonderful years together.

Joan worked as a secretary at the Northwood School in Gordon for many years and loved interacting with and helping all the young kids. Her home was often filled with the voices of many children from around the neighborhood.

Joan complemented Herbert well with her feisty wit and what the family lovingly referred to as ‘grandma’s sass’. She adamantly valued education and always encouraged her grandchildren to be independent, speak up for what is right, and keep their noses clean. She loved dressing to impress and was a lover of jewelry, brooches, and shoes, which she passed on to her granddaughters and great-granddaughters. She was a great cook and would always try to feed whomever stopped over. She was especially known for her crockpot spaghetti, blueberry buckle, or her frosted brownies. She baked for church nearly every week and was infamously known for feeding her great-grandchildren ice cream sandwiches for breakfast. She enjoyed any outdoor activity including fishing, golfing, river trips, and snowmobiling. Most of all, she fiercely loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who she always welcomed into her home.

Joan also served her community well. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #499 for 57 years. She could often be found selling poppies or sewing items to be sent to veterans’ homes. She also marched with the Honor Guard in many parades and Memorial Day services.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Paul) Leuck; daughter-in-law, Janice Love; grandchildren, Brian (Sara), Michael (Bobbi), Lisa, Amy, Kevin, Rick, and Sarah (Kent); great- grandchildren, Emma, Adrienne, Luke, KayCee, Hunter, Cali, Carter, and Ellie.

She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Herbert; son, Roger; and 7 siblings.

A memorial service will be held at the Gordon Presbyterian Church in Gordon, WI on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. 

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