Joan R. Schwandt

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we share that Joan Schwandt passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care in New Port Richey, Florida. She was 84 years old.

Joan was born on October 25, 1941, in Neenah, Wisconsin. She spent much of her life in Neenah, where she graduated from Neenah High School and later married the love of her life, Lavern, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They lived in the same house on Wilson Street where they raised their 3 children each of which have very special memories.

In time, Joan and Lavern made the move to Florida to be near their daughter, Bren, and son-in-law, Jon. As Joan’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed and she needed more care than Lavern could provide alone, being close to family became especially meaningful. In true family fashion, their move in 2024 came during an unforgettable stretch between Hurricanes Helene and Milton. After only three days at Sunshine Christian Homes, Joan was evacuated to Homosassa, adding yet another remarkable chapter to her journey.

Joan’s memory will be cherished by her daughter Debbie Kain (Dar), her daughter Brenda “Bren” Cueni (Jon), and her son, Tim. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Davis Kain, Danielle Freeman (Jacob), Jon Cueni III, Brady Schwandt, and Chaz Schwandt; as well as three great-grandchildren: Bryce Freeman, Delilah Freeman, and Micah Freeman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lavern Schwandt; her parents, Howard and Verna Evans; her brother, Roger Evans; her brothers-in-law, Roger Rasmussen, Ron Babcock Sr., Ron Henderson, Bill Wolf, and Roger Evans; and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Evans.

A dual celebration of life for Lavern and Joan will be held in Wisconsin on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St, Menasha, WI 54952, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Family and friends will gather until 11:30 a.m., when a brief service will be led by Bren, as requested by Dad. Afterward, loved ones will share a meal, remember Lavern and Joan together, and tell the stories that made them so special. Please feel free to bring any photos you may have to share.

For those who wish to honor Joan’s memory, memorial donations may be made to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639, or to Paint Dunedin Purple c/o Cueni Brewing Co., 945 Huntley Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698. Paint Dunedin Purple is a fundraiser benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, and Bren has been a dedicated committee member since its beginning.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Gulfside Hospice and Sunshine Christian Homes for the compassionate care shown to Joan.