Joan Marie Matti (Bender) of Rothschild, WI died at the age of 84 on August 14, 2025.

Joan was born in Wausau, WI on January 15, 1941 to Anton J. and Lula G. Bender (Feavel). One of three children, Joan was raised in Norrie with her identical twin sister, Judy and younger brother Anton Jr. ("Bucky"). While attending Wittenberg High School, she began her life-long love of music, singing with her sister in the Choir.

Outside of school, Joan and Judy performed as a vocal duo the "Jayettes", often performing with Joan's future husband Larry, who played saxophone for the band the "Runabouts". The Jayettes and the Runabouts were the opening act for Buddy Holly & the Crickets at their 1958 concert at the Rothschild Pavilion.

Joan married Larry L. Matti on September 10, 1960 at St. Williams Catholic Parish in Eland WI, in a double wedding with her sister Judy marrying Terry Oestreich. Joan and Larry resided in Wausau, WI, where they raised their three children Lori, Todd, and Lynn. While raising three children, Joan studied Nursing at North Central Technical College and received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Milton College. Joan was a Registered Nurse at Aspirus Hospital until the time of her retirement.

Joan loved fishing, camping, curling, sewing, volunteering, and watching the Green Bay Packers. Joan and Larry spent their retirement years in Green Valley, AZ. A few years after Larry's death, Joan returned to Wisconsin, residing with her daughter Lori and son-in law Jim in Rothschild.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Lula, and her husband Larry. Joan is survived by her three children, Lori (James) Speckhard, Todd (Heather) Matti, and Lynn Keel, her three grandsons Jacob, Tony and Marcus Matti, her sister Judy (Terry) Oestreich, her brother Bucky (Bonnie) Bender, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews and their children.

A funeral Mass will be held for Joan at St. Florian's Catholic Parish, 500 Church Lane, Hatley WI 54440 at 11:00 on Friday August 29, with Father Patric presiding. Visitation is from 9:00 until the time of the service. The Nightingale Tribute by the Wisconsin Nurse's Honor Guard will take place at 10:45 am, prior to service. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Interim Healthcare for their care and compassion for Joan during her final months in Hospice care.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is currently assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at HonorOne.com