Joan Marie Zarda

Joan “Joanie” Marie Zarda of Antigo passed away, surrounded by family, on March 24, 2026 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital at the age of 73. She was born in Antigo on September 13, 1952 to the late John and Grace Steckbauer. On June 5, 1971, she was united in marriage to Thomas “Tom” Zarda (who survives), her lifelong love going back to shared seats in high school study hall. “Crimson and Clover” was playing as Joanie passed as it was Tom and Joanie’s song. Tom wants people to know, “Joanie was my best friend.” The two of them continued that friendship for over 56 years and enjoyed watching their birds together (and sometimes squirrels) over early morning coffee. Joanie especially loved bluejays.

Joanie graduated from Antigo High School, class of 1970. She went on to attend Green Bay Technical College to earn a degree as a medical assistant. She worked in various industries including Copps for 10 years, Johnson Electric Coil for 10 years, and Aspirus Langlade Hospital for 16 years. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church.

Joanie cherished making every holiday special with her beautiful decorations, lovingly rotated with the changing of seasons. She also had a remarkable way of making everyone feel loved and valued and her family was at the heart of everything she did. When asked for advice via a book gifted by her daughter, Joanie said, “Always love family above anyone else. Be loving and caring.” Joanie made these words sincere through the actions of her life. She truly lived what she asked of others. There were cards sent and car rides taken to be around people when they needed her, in moments happy and sad.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by children, Gary (Lisa) Zarda and Jodie (Troy) Novak, grandchildren, Austyn (Kendell) Zarda, Jonah Zarda (Ariana Davis), AutumnRaine Zarda (Eric Hurkmans), Billie (Brett) Packard, and Bobbie Novak, great grandchild, Everleigh Rose Marie Zarda and one more on the way to Billie and Brett. Joan was especially proud of being a grandma and great-grandma. She is also missed by siblings, David (Connie) Steckbauer, Rose (Lyman) Cline, Larry (Sally) Steckbauer, Katie (Neal) Bissonette, Paul (Corky) Steckbauer, and Donna (Bob) Shefvland, brother-in-law Jerry Sippl, sister-in-law Debbie Steckbauer, and many nieces, nephews, and members of the Zarda family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Karen Sippl, brother Jack Steckbauer, father and mother-in-law William Norbert and Bernice Margaret Zarda, brothers-in-law Daniel and Robert Zarda, niece Coleen Zarda, and a grandchild lost before birth. Joanie was there for these loved ones and continued to honor all of them with loving memory.

Of her own passing, like the song goes, “She flew up to heaven on the wings of angels / By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees / And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waitin' / And I know she's smilin' sayin', don't worry 'bout me.”

In accordance with Joanie’s firm wishes, no services will be held.