Joan Frances Burdick

Joan Frances Burdick, 91, of Tomahawk, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, surrounded by her loved ones. 

Joan was born on August 23, 1934, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Harold and Helen (McNulty) Haugen. She grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and graduated from St. Scholastica High School in 1952 before moving to Wisconsin. Joan was later united in marriage to Charles (Chuck) Burdick, who preceded her in death in 1989.

Joan was born and raised in the Catholic faith and has been a member of St. Mary Catholic Church since moving to Tomahawk in the late 1950's. She lived a full and creative life, finding joy in both simple pleasures and meaningful traditions. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially over the holidays and family celebrations.

Joan and Chuck owned and operated Northwoods Construction and Burdick's Northwoods Realty, selling and providing on-site construction of many homes in the surrounding area.

She was an avid quilter, creating over 300 quilts throughout her lifetime. As a proud founder and member of the Tomahawk Stitcher's Quilt Guild, she generously shared her talent by donating many of her quilts to others.

She also had a deep love for baking and was known for her homemade breads, coffee cakes, and desserts that brought comfort and joy to family and friends. Joan enjoyed golfing and played in a league for many years, creating lasting friendships along the way. She treasured time spent on her pontoon boat, where many fun memories were made with loved ones. She also was an avid Packer fan.

Joan had a special appreciation for nature-she loved bird watching, especially spotting her beloved cardinals, and took great pride in caring for her flowers.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her children: Cynthia Norton of Shawano; Gail (Dennis) Schoone of Harrison; Lori Pierce of Oklahoma; Julie (Mike) Strassman of Tomahawk; Cheri (Joel) Swanson of Chippewa Falls; and Michelle (Bill) Bishop of Colorado. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters, Susan Caliguri and Kathleen Kerkela, both of Michigan and her son-in-law, Stan Barr.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; her daughter, Deborah Barr; and her sister, Sharon Glowacki, sons-in-law John Norton and Ron Pierce.

A private family memorial and graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 25th, followed by a luncheon. Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI in her honor.

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family.