Joane (Rugowski) Graycarek, 94, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 30, 2026, at Pine Crest Village Assisted Living in Sturgeon Bay.

Joane was born May 26, 1931, in Manitowoc, WI to Louie and Irene (Meidl) Rugowski.  She graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1949.  Joan married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Graycarek on April 15, 1949.  They were married for 76 years until Eugene’s passing on April 26, 2025.

Joane and Eugene began their life together in Whitelaw, WI and lived there until 1972.  They then moved to the home they designed and built together by the water on Sand Bay Point Rd. in Sturgeon Bay.

Joane loved to create flower gardens and landscape her yard.  She loved her time on the beach.   She spent every summer and fall season growing and canning tomatoes and cucumbers for pickles.  A fond memory of her kids was coming home from school to the fresh scent of homemade bread and donuts.

Joane also loved to sew.  Her daughter still has all the beautiful Barbie clothes she made for her.  Joane had a love for Eastern Décor.  She collected beautiful pieces to decorate her home and yard.

Besides being an incredible stay at home mom, Joane worked for a few years in the early 1950’s at the National Tinsel Manufacturing Company, which is now registered with the Wisconsin Historical Society.  Later in her life, she worked several years for Evergreen Nursery planting seedlings, a job she really loved.  But above all, Joane’s greatest passion were her dogs. She was at peace knowing her dogs were waiting for her in heaven. 

Survivors include a son Chris (Jeannie) Graycarek and a daughter Gail (John) Taddy; grandchildren:  Tristan (Lori) Wier, Steve Graycarek, Cheryl (Dan) Shefchek, David and Daniel Taddy; great-grandchildren: Sophia and Gabriella Shefchek and Aubrey Rabuck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Eugene, daughter Laurie, son-in-law Jim Wier and grandson Tyler Wier.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Crest Assisted Living for the amazing care and compassion they gave Joane during her time there.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.  Forbes Funeral Home is serving the family.