It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Mom, Joan “JoAnn” Dawn (Robinson) Staats on January 25, 2026.  She was born to Nina (Sears) and Marion Robinson in Gresham, WI on Oct. 16, 1934.  

JoAnn married Earl Staats Sr. at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay on July 12, 1952.  Theirs was the first and only wedding broadcast over WOKW.  He preceded her in death on February 18, 2014.

JoAnn loved children. She was a nanny and childcare provider for twenty-five different families over the years.  Children enjoyed her soothing and peaceful spirit.

In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, JoAnn enjoyed many jobs over the years.  She worked at the Fruit Growers Cooperative and loved working on the family farm.  She also conducted food demos at many local grocery stores. On one memorable occasion, she talked her husband into participating in a food demo. It made her heart smile to see Earl cooking.

As a cake designer and confectioner, she won many hearts. Her cake creations were taken all over the country.  She was very proud and appreciative of the cake/pastry business she had developed. If she were here, she would want to thank the venues that supported and recommended her, and the people that allowed her to be a part of their special occasions.

Mom and Dad loved to dance to a good live polka band.  She loved to make people happy by feeding them food that she had prepared. JoAnn leaves behind her four cats, Curly, Larry, Mo, and Lucky. They kept her company and gave her plenty to do during the day. Special thanks to Donna and Earl, and chosen family Josie Copet and her son Nathan, for making sure that Joan was able remain in her home till the very end.

JoAnn is survived by her children, Donna Staats (Brian Conners), Dawn (Michael) Nieft, Earl Staats Jr. and Nathan Copet; grandchildren, Alissa (Juan) Rodriguez, Brandon (Sheena) Weber, Adam (Shawna) Nieft; great-grandchildren, Quentin, Sebastian, Raiden, Dante, Jayde and Decker; sisters, Randean (Jake) Kussow, Beverly Robinson and sister-in-law Joan Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Travis (Lucille) Robinson, Marion Robinson Jr., Irwin Robinson; granddaughter, Tayler Nieft, sister-in-law Marie (Clarence) Vertz, brothers in law, Harold (Arlyss), Lloyd and Ernest (Gladys) Staats.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay with burial at Bayside Cemetery.  Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Door County Humane Society or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.   Forbes Funeral Home is serving the family.