Joan P. Du Chateau, 97, Luxemburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital following a short illness. Joan was born January 11, 1929, in Kewaunee, a daughter of Leslie J. and Henrietta V. (Worachek) Pelikan. On November 12, 1949, she married John Du Chateau at Holy Rosary Church, Kewaunee. Together they built a home in Luxemburg full of love and acceptance where they raised eight children.

Joan graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1946, serving as class Vice-President. Immediately after school she worked in the office at Manitowoc Shipbuilding. She also was a secretary and served hot lunches for the elementary school at the original Luxemburg High School building on Maple Street. Joan worked for the local veterinarian Dr. Dow, telling us how she assisted de-scenting skunks. She booked bands for the Luxemburg Youth Club dances at the American Legion and was an election inspector for the Village of Luxemburg.

Joan was a skilled piano player, having a love for big band music and show tunes. She believed in the value of music, supporting her children in learning instruments.

In her spare time, Joan enjoyed walking, reading, spending time in her yard (where you would never find a weed), family visits, and cooking for her family. She was an avid fan of Wisconsin Badgers football and basketball. For nearly 50 years, she was part of the ladies’ Canasta card club that met monthly at different homes in Luxemburg. She may have been the Andy Griffith Show’s number one fan.

Joan was a member of St. Mary Church in Luxemburg, and a member of the National VFW.

Joan took pride in her family members’ activities, attending every possible school function, game, or event to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always giving, making everyone feel welcome, and showing love with her hospitality.

She is survived by her eight children, Cynthia (Larry) Schaefer, Renee Kuehl, Michelle Du Chateau (Gary Ledvina), Denise Du Chateau (Joe Baierl), Lew (Tammy) Du Chateau, Jonathan “J.J.” Du Chateau (Karen Aamotsbakken), Lance Du Chateau (Swapna Desai), Jeremy Du Chateau (Kelly Riley); her sisters Annette Pribyl, Bonnie (Brad) Young; seventeen grandchildren, Shannon (Tracy) Kuehl, Rachel Kuehl (Tom Balsey), Megan Kuehl (Elliott Magers), Valerie Kuehl, Dr. Hillary Schaefer (Eliot Proctor), Dr. Alexander Schaefer, Linden Baierl, Annie Baierl, John Baierl, Jordan Du Chateau, Jason Du Chateau, Tyler (Danielle) Du Chateau, Raef Du Chateau, Julia Du Chateau, Margot Du Chateau, Elise Du Chateau, and Ava Du Chateau; eight great grandchildren, Molly, Sam, Claire, Maddie, Ryker, Skylar, Zander, and Theo; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents; son-in-law Jeffrey Kuehl; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie Du Chateau, Marvin Pribyl, Ronald Du Chateau, Joseph (Anita) Du Chateau, Elizabeth “Bess” (Richard) Cmeyla; nephew James Cmeyla.

Visitation is at St. Mary Catholic Church in Luxemburg on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at 6:00 p.m. with the Very Rev. Daniel Schuster officiating, Rev. Ross Pribyl, S.J. (her nephew) concelebrating. Burial in the St. Mary Cemetery, Luxemburg.

McMahon Funeral Home, Luxemburg, is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at McMahonFH.com.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Sycamore Lodge with a special thank you to Mindy who was always there for Mom, Luxemburg Rescue, St. Vincent Hospital, and Unity Hospice for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for a children’s hospital in memory of Joan.