Johanna "Jo" Agnes Walter

Johanna Agnes Walter (nee Apel), known to her loved ones as Jo, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023, at the age of 94, after a brief stay at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI. She was born on July 11, 1929, in Bamberg, Germany, a rustic Bavarian town, to Hans Wilhelm Apel and Erna Elisabeth Taybl. Jo was a kind and gentle soul, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jo was the beloved mother of Richard (Margie) Walter and Sally (Michael) Alexander. Proud grandmother of Ben and Zach Alexander, Stacy (Dariusz) Stusowski, Natalie (Tim) Kavemeier, Gabrielle (Dan) Kiefer, Nathan and Reed Walter and Ashleigh Tansey. She was also Great Grandma Jo to Angelica and Katrina Stedman. Beloved sister of Fritz (Christel) Apel. Nieces, nephews, and many dear friends and extended family also survive her. She was predeceased by siblings Elisabeth, Georg, Bernhard, Else, and Karl. Also, she was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert "Bob" Walter in 2002.

Bob and Jo met while Bob was stationed in Germany. They traveled the world due to Bob's military career until his retirement in 1967. They remained in Waukesha County for the rest of their lives, snow-birding to Gulf Shores, Alabama, every winter.

Jo's educational journey began in the Bamberg School System, where she attended primary school, high school, and higher education. She valued the importance of education and instilled that value in her children.

As a career homemaker, Jo dedicated herself to caring for her husband and raising her family. Her nurturing and loving nature created a warm and welcoming environment for her loved ones.

Jo excelled at whatever she did. She was skilled at sewing, knitting, and needlepoint. She had a keen eye for detail and took pride in her craftsmanship. She also used those skills to make quilts for the needy, while attending St. John Lutheran’s Church, in the town of Brookfield for many years. She was an avid homemaker who loved cooking and hosting gatherings in her home. She was known for her delicious meals and warm hospitality. She loved indulging her family, especially her grandchildren, with all sorts of sweet treats whenever they visited.

Jo was passionate about gardening and took great joy tending to her flowers and creating a beautiful oasis for wildlife to enjoy. She loved her birds- especially hummingbirds.

She was a card shark, bar none, and kept in touch with her fellow card players until the time of her death. She loved playing board games with her grandkids and was especially competitive at Mensch Arger Dich Nicht- a German board game.

Jo cherished her family and loved spending time with them in person and over the phone. She had a special bond with her family members in Germany and her brother Fritz Apel.

Jo was also conscious of her spiritual need. Wherever the family was stationed, church was a priority. Since living in Oconomowoc, she has attended St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in person or virtually where she worshipped and found spiritual solace. She was devout about reading her Bible daily, morning and night.

A visitation will be held at Pagenkopf funeral home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) on Friday November 3, 2023 from 5-7pm. A memorial service to celebrate Jo's life will be held on November 4, 2023 at 1:00pm, at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (210 E. Pleasant Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) with a service to follow at 2:00pm. Contributions in Jo's memory can be made to Angels Grace Hospice and St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The compassionate professionals at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, are assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. Their support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

Johanna Agnes Walter, "Mom", “Grandma,” “Hannchen”, “Jo”, our beloved matriarch, will be remembered for her kind heart and love for her family. Her passion for gardening, birds, games and hospitality will live on through family. Life will not be the same without her, but we are assured that we will see her again someday. May her soul rest in eternal peace.