Joan Leta Risberg, age 86, of Blair, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 in the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Joan was born on April 12, 1931 in LaCrosse to Kolbjorn and Irene (Berger) Oppegaard. She married Burton C. Risberg on June 7, 1952 in the First Lutheran Church in Blair. Burton preceded Joan in death on August 12, 2000.

Joan taught elementary school for thirty years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and her Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Joan began her teaching career at the Red Mound School in De Soto, WI and later at the Brookside School in Welch Coulee, rural Blair. Joan raised her family in Tappen Coulee in rural Blair on the home farm. Joan went back to teaching in Taylor for 28 years and finished her career with Blair-Taylor.

Joan was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Blair and was a member and past president of its MNC and WELCA.

Joan loved to learn, read novels and travel. She also enjoyed snowmobiling and trapshooting with her family. Her greatest passion and love was teaching, her students and spending time with her family.

Joan is survived by three children, Ronald (Jane) Risberg of Fall Creek, Nancy (Robert) Fischer of Roberts and Steven (Cindy) Risberg of Augusta; four grandchildren, Laura (Shawn) Train, Riley (Jody) Risberg, Lacey (Kyle) Craker and Traci (John Spencer) Risberg; three step-grandchildren, Steven (Carol) Fischer, Stacey (Phil) Rhein and Andy Fischer; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ellen (Richard) Peterson of Kiel, WI; three nieces, Mindy (Peter) Kraus, Marna (Ted) Winkel and Dawn (Andy) Soto; many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Myron and Inger (Hoem) Risberg.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Blair Lutheran Church East with burial in the Rest Haven Cemetery both in Blair. Pastor John Ashland will officiate.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 2-5 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Joan's family would like to thank the staff at the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center and Saint Croix Hospice for all of their care and comfort that they provided.