Joan Frances Berring, age 78, of Hayward, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with her beloved husband Ed by her side, bringing her courageous journey with Parkinson’s Disease to a close. Her unwavering faith, joyful spirit, and deep love for her family defined her wonderful life.

Joan was born on December 14, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul and Josephine Ebbole. She grew up surrounded by family in the Chicago suburbs and graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1964. On October 15, 1965, she married the love of her life, Frank Berring. Together, they built a home in Warrenville, Illinois, before settling in Hayward, Wisconsin, in 1977, a place Joan fell in love with instantly and would proudly call home for the rest of her life. She was married to Frank until his passing in 2012.

In 2013, Joan found love again with Ed Schlosser, whom she met online at a dating site for seniors. From their very first date—marked poignantly by Joan's diagnosis with Parkinson's—Ed was a steady companion to her. They married on April 21, 2013, and shared 12 years together. Ed was faithfully by her side through every challenge, and he held her hand as she took her final breath. Joan's daughter Becky was her primary caregiver as well during the last 2 months of her life and because of her selfless and loving devotion, Joan was able to stay at home where she wanted to be until her passing. After marrying Ed, Joan was able to call Ocala, Florida her second home and she loved being able to escape the snow and cold of northern WI during the winters.

A woman of remarkable dedication, Joan was best known in Hayward as the Avon Lady—a title she wore with pride and passion for over 50 years. Her success with Avon took her across the country to many travel destinations. She was a fixture in the community, beloved for her kindness, her inner and outer beauty, and her amazing wardrobe that at one time featured a different outfit for every day of the year.

Joan’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Having accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 10, she lived every day as a testament to His love. She was an active and devoted member of Spider Lake Church (formerly Bethel Baptist Church).

She loved flower gardening, shopping for the best deals, winning at Bingo, and singing at every opportunity she had. Her grandchildren remember her playful spirit, especially how she would tickle them until they declared that “the best thing in the world is flowers!”

Joan also gave back to her community in countless ways, including her long-time role as emcee for the Musky Pageant, where her humor and charisma lit up the stage. She had a gift for making everyone feel special, seen, and loved. To meet Joan was to meet a friend.

Through all of life’s trials, Joan remained a beacon of strength, joy, and unshakeable faith. Her laughter was contagious, her presence unforgettable, and her love immeasurable. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, beauty, and grace that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Joan was preceded in death by her first husband Frank, her parents, her sister Jean Hamann, and her brothers Harold and Robert Ebbole. She is survived by her husband Ed and loving children: Laura Andrews (and husband Rich) of Huntertown, Indiana; Frank Berring (and wife Jessica) of Gretna, Nebraska; and Becky Neibert of Hayward, Wisconsin. She also leaves behind nine adoring grandchildren and one precious great-grandchild.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00am at Spider Lake Church, 12104N Lower Twin Lake Rd, Hayward, WI 54843. A Visitation will be held on Friday starting at 9:30am until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Hayward, WI.

Last Update: Jul 10, 2025 7:00 am CDT