JoAnn Wolkenhauer

JoAnn Wolkenhauer, a loving mother, grandmother, and wife, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, at the age of 96.

Born on November 1, 1928, in Chinook, Montana, to Tracey Vernon and Mildred Carpenter, JoAnn grew up with a deep appreciation for country life. She was a true farm girl at heart, a passion she carried throughout her life.

She married her beloved husband, Ken Wolkenhauer, and they shared 57 wonderful years together before his passing. Together, they established a hobby farm in the Spokane River valley outside of Post Falls, Idaho, where they raised their three children. JoAnn found immense joy in this life, helping Ken manage their cows, horses, chickens, and other livestock, and tending to their orchard and garden. She loved being outdoors and being able to see the horizon.

In addition to her central role as a mom and homemaker, JoAnn also worked as a cook for Post Falls High School, and the Post Falls Senior Center, and as a bookkeeper for Solid Rock Gates / DBA Welding Fabrication Services.

JoAnn’s spirit was defined by her profound selflessness and unwavering focus on her family. She was always more interested in the welfare of her loved ones than her own, often embodying the sentiment, "I'm fine, don't worry about me. I just want to know that you kids are doing okay." Her gentle, caring nature was a comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ken Wolkenhauer, and her brother, Kenneth Carpenter.

Her legacy of love continues through her surviving family: her children and their spouses, Vicki Peterson, Alisa Pfaff, and Jeff Wolkenhauer; her grandchildren, Nathan, Hunter & Victor Pfaff, Selena & Marcus Wolkenhauer, Emily James, and Danielle Gotthardt, and her great grandchildren.

Details regarding a memorial service will be shared at a later date.