Carol Joan Lauer (nee Gilbert), of Grafton, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the age of 92.

Carol was born August 27, 1932, in Wrightstown, WI, to the late William and Patronella "Nellie" (nee Brittnacher) Gilbert and spent most of her childhood growing up on the family dairy farm in Kaukauna, WI. Known as "Joanie" to most, she eventually moved to Grafton, WI, where she raised her three sons.

Early in her career Joanie achieved her LPN degree and worked for the Department of the Army. After raising three sons she worked at Grafton State Bank for many years as part of their Customer Support group. Joanie was also very active in the Grafton Women's Club. She loved bird watching and made the best chili, cutout cookies and apple pie and has passed her love of cooking on to her son Jay. Joanie's big thrill was to get her hair done and kibbitz with the ladies. She will be missed for her "spit fire" attitude and snappy wit.

Joanie is survived by her two sons Russ (Debbie), Jay (Laurie) and her daughter-in-law Chris. She is further survived by her five grandchildren: Michael, Matthew (Sara), Ryan (Tina), Kristin (Brandon) and Brody (Lizzie), her great-granddaughters Milina and Peyton as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Joanie is preceded in death by her son Scott, her former husband Jerry, her parents, and her four siblings.

A private Celebration of Life for Joanie will be held at a later date this spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Carol's name to Harvest Home Grafton, WI, Lilly Hospice Brookfield, WI or St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grafton, WI.

The family wants to thank Harvest Home for their wonderful care of our mom over these past years and together with Lilly Hospice, their compassion, love, and support of our family during her final days.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Lauer family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com