Joanne E. Franda

Joanne “Jo” (Swoboda) Franda entered eternal rest on August 3, 2026 at the age of 88 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jo, daughter of Harry and Grace Swoboda, was born on February 26, 1938 in the Town of Brussels, WI. She was very active throughout her school years, excelling in band, cheerleading and twirling and graduating as Brussels High School Salutatorian in 1956. She was named Cherry Blossom Queen of Door County in 1956. She was united in holy matrimony to Robert (“Bob”) Martin Franda on December 1, 1956. The newlyweds moved to Green Bay where they raised their family. Jo devoted her time to her 5 children in their younger years and worked various administrative/secretarial positions in later years. After Bob’s retirement, the couple moved to Door County where they loved their home in the woods. Jo was especially proud of the work she handled for the Naval Office in Sturgeon Bay during those years. Jo and Bob eventually moved back to the greater Green Bay area, where Jo volunteered her time for 20 years at De Pere Christian Outreach Center until the age of 87. During their retirement, Jo and Bob also built a cottage on family land near Cold Water Creek for generations to enjoy. Jo described it as a “quiet place to rest. (Mark 6:31)” Throughout her adult life, Jo had many hobbies. She used her creative talents to oil paint on canvas. She primarily painted outdoor scenes representing some of the most meaningful places in their lives. Her home was filled with painted items and areas touched by her whimsical love of color, which worked well with her unique decorating style that made all that she touched truly one of a kind. Also, Jo and Bob worked together to restore antique furniture. They brought countless furnishings back to life to decorate their homes and the homes of their children and grandchildren, and to revive those furnishings shared through the Christian Outreach. Jo also brought much beauty to life with her love of gardening and found great joy caring for her plants and gardens. Jo was an expert knitter, crocheter, and seamstress making a large variety of treasures for family, friends, and charities. When not busy creating, she loved to read classical literature. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished by her children: Gregory (Debbie) Franda, Darchelle (Steven) Motiff, Laine (Tim) Harteau, Melindi (Guy) De Shaney, and Robert (Kim) Franda, and her 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 2021. The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Ryan at St Vincent Hospital Cancer Center and the tender and passionate care given by the entire Unity Hospice staff. In accordance with Joanne’s wishes, a private funeral mass and ceremony will be held.

Joanne E. Franda

February 26, 1938 - August 3, 2026