Joann E. Pichotta
Age 73 of Apple Valley, born May 11, 1951 in Greenville, WI to Arly and Eunice Doell, passed away
peacefully at home surrounded by her husband, Greg, son, Travis Zingler and daughter-in-law, Jennifer on
Christmas Day, 2024.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arly and Eunice and brother, Arlyn Doell.
Joann will be dearly missed by her husband of almost 27 years, Greg; sons, Travis (Jennifer) Zingler and
Joe (Lara) Pichotta; grandchildren: Jocelyn, Tristan, Kenneth, Donna, Ethan and Salvador; sister, Diane
(Mike) Hablewitz and family; sister-in-law, Karen Doell and family and many friends.
Her hands we held while she was sick tell a story. They’ve spent years making and hemming clothes,
making blankets, sewing beautiful dresses, altering everything from baptismal gowns to wedding gowns –
jeans to coats, sewing curtains and who can forget her obsession with sewing throw pillows. When her
hands weren’t busy with sewing projects, they were busy making flower arrangements, or many other
amazing crafts, knitting cozy blankets or writing out cards to send to family or friends. She always kept
her hands busy, so she didn’t think about the arthritis pain that was taking over, not only in her hands but
her entire body.
November 19, 2024 Joann was told she had an aggressive form of cancer. She spent 21 days at United
Hospital and underwent round one of chemo. She was discharged to rehab for a one-week physical
therapy stay and we promised we would have her home for the holidays.
Joann was a fighter – she was fierce – she is strong, and these same characteristics held true to the very
end. Christmas Day at 6:16PM, On her favorite day of the year she took her final breath at home
surrounded by family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, January 6, 2025 with a visitation one hour before
at Henry W Anderson Mortuary, 14850 Garrett Ave. in Apple Valley. Joann will be laid to rest at
Lebanon Cemetery in Apple Valley.
Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.