Joan Isabel Ogden

Joan Isabel (Bear) Ogden passed away peacefully in her sleep, on January 14, 2026. She was born on September 11, 1931, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Mildred (Wade) and Lauren Bear. Joan graduated from Janesville High School in 1949 and from Whitewater State Teachers’ College in 1953. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Sorority. She taught first grade in Janesville at Wilson and Adams schools during the 1953 and 1955 school years. On June 19, 1953, Joan married William Ogden. They had two children, Gary in 1954 and Laurie in 1958. They were together for 29 years until Bill’s death on June 4, 1982.

Joan enjoyed the various pets in her life. Her childhood dog was a beloved companion, followed in life by the several cats, and even a box turtle and river turtle she brought into her home. She also spoiled her many grand-kitties with many toys and lots of affection. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Isle of Man from which her maternal grandfather’s family had emigrated. Other trips were to Europe (England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy), China, Australia, and New Zealand. She also made twice-yearly trips to visit her son and daughter-in-law in California, Colorado, and Montana. As a proud supporter of the University of Wisconsin football team, she attended their games at Randall Stadium for many years with her friend, Dottie Newton. She and Dottie also enjoyed going to Milwaukee to watch their beloved Milwaukee Brewers. If not in person, Joan faithfully watched her teams on the television or listened on the radio.

Joan was a lifetime member of the First Congregational, United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school, served on several boards, and played in the hand bell choir for 30 years. She also served on the board of the Janesville Concert Association. She belonged to the Wisconsin, National, and World Manx Associations, serving as the Wisconsin Manx Association treasurer/secretary.

Joan is survived by her son, Gary, and his wife, Nikki (Boehnke), in Bozeman, Montana. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jean, in 1932 and her daughter, Laurie, in 1987.

Joan’s family would like to thank her many friends and neighbors who have supported her over the years, including Bill and Mary Williams, David and Gaea Atkinson, Sue Ward, Jan Stofel, Craig Braunschweig, Cathy Andrews, and Mary Lynn Fox. Heartfelt thanks also go to the nurses, therapists, and staffs at Cedar Crest Senior Living and St. Mary’s Hospital for the kind and loving care they gave Joan.

A funeral service for Joan will be held on March 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 54 S. Jackson Street, Janesville, WI 53548. Private burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin or the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin.

HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.