Joan A. Vesperman

Joan A. Vesperman, age 93, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Edenbrook in Platteville. She was born on October 21, 1932, in Lancaster, the daughter of Harold and Leone D. (Gossel) Austin.

Joan graduated from Lancaster High School in 1950. On January 14, 1950, she was united in marriage to Jack R. Vesperman in South Bend, Indiana. Following their marriage, Joan and Jack farmed the Vesperman family farm in South Lancaster Township, where they raised their seven daughters.

Family was at the heart of Joan’s life. She and her daughters cared for and showed calves at the fair, creating many cherished memories together. Joan began bowling in 1957 and continued to enjoy the sport until retiring in 2020 due to health reasons.

Joan was talented with her hands and found great joy in sewing and knitting. She made much of her own clothing as well as clothing for her daughters. Through the years, she knitted numerous baby hats, all of which she generously donated to Grant Regional Health Center. Joan also donated her time as the South Lancaster Township Clerk.

Joan also had a love for travel and enjoyed boating. She took great pride in driving a school bus for the Lancaster community and enjoyed the many connections she made along the way.

Joan will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her generous spirit, and the many talents and interests she shared with those around her.

Survivors include her seven daughters: Jill (Chuck) Addison; Judy (Gary) Drinkwater; Jan (Ron) Stubbe; Jean (Randy) Wanezek; Jackie (Dan) Reuter; Jonna (Faron Yanna) Vesperman; Jane Vesperman; twenty grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; a grandson, Keith R. Wanezek; a great-granddaughter, Kaila A. Jenkins; a son-in-law, Alex Gisoldi; siblings: Gail E. Ellis and John (Jackie) R. Austin; her parents, Harold and Leone Austin; and her stepmother, Mae Trodahl.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Edenbrook and Park Place for their care and compassion.