Joan M Pabst

Joan “Joanie” M. Pabst, age 87, peacefully passed away at home while surrounded by friends and family on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

She is survived by her seven children: Christopher (Solongo) Hinrichs, Heidi (James) Sindic, Margaret Dari, Wendy Hinrichs (Jeff), Timothy (Michelle) Hinrichs, August Pabst III (Katherine), and Eugènie Pabst; her five grandchildren, Genevieve, Robert, Madeline (Hunter), August IV (Madison), and Haley; two great-grandchildren, Eliana and Troy. She is further survived by her niece, Kimberly (Lance) Buisse,and nephew, Damon (Melanie) Landro, as well as her longtime friend Paddy Kieckhefer, who was always there for her. She was preceded in death by her husband, August Pabst Jr., her sister, Susan Landro, and her parents, William and Margaret Myers.

Joanie lived a life full of adventure, joy, and a deep love for the outdoors. Her passion for gardening and tending to her beloved greenhouse was something she shared with her parents, who instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for nature’s beauty. She also loved watching birds, enjoying their presence and the peace they brought.

In her younger years, Joanie enjoyed playing tennis and remained an avid fan of the sport throughout her life. She also loved hunting and fishing alongside Augie, including many days hunting ducks on Lake Winnebago, creating countless cherished memories together in the great outdoors. 

Joanie found joy in travel and adventure, whether spending winters at their home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, or exploring the US, Europe and Africa. She especially loved participating with Augie in the Monte Carlo, Copperstate, and Colorado Grand road rallies, as well as traveling in their motorhome to Door County in the fall and visiting Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin—especially during the winter months.

Time on and near the water brought her peace, whether on pontoon rides around Oconomowoc Lake or watching her favorite fisherman from afar. She also loved watching auto racing—especially IndyCar—and cheering on the family team in the USF Pro Championships.

Joanie had a love for the arts, enjoying the atre, exploring art, and watching Netflix movies, often discussing them with family and friends and planning which ones to watch next.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren—wherever it might have been—always alongside her greatest love, Augie. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughter,Eugènie, visiting the stables together.

In recent years, Joanie bravely battled multiple myeloma, facing every treatment—including experimental ones—with strength, courage, and grace. She never complained and was surrounded by unwavering support from those who loved her, especially her daughter Eugènie, who was her fiercest advocate and never stopped searching for the next treatment to give her mother more time. As Joanie often said, “I don’t want to miss anything,” and she truly lived that way to the end.

Joanie will be remembered for her warmth, adventurous spirit, curiosity, and the many passions that filled her life with meaning.

A family burial will be followed by a celebration of life for close family and friends on Saturday November 1, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00p.m., at the Oconomowoc Lake Club.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joanie’s name may be made to Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation,https://www.conquer.org/