JoAnn Bickle (Frye), 63, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on February 29th in her home after courageously battling cancer for two years, with the help of Rainbow Hospice and her family by her side.

JoAnn was the youngest daughter of Donald and Betty Frye. Preceded in death by her parents, in-laws (Wayne and Norma Bickle), and sisters (Sarah and Donna). JoAnn graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and married her high school sweetheart Mark Bickle. This past December they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Mark and JoAnn made Fort Atkinson their home, raising their family here. JoAnn’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother, followed by the joy of becoming a grandmother. While JoAnn held many different jobs/roles, her biggest professional accomplishment was obtaining her CDL license and then spending 4 years driving cross country with Mark. She took such pride in her garden and enjoyed boating and camping. JoAnn will be deeply missed by her husband Mark; daughters, Megan and Lindsey; granddaughter, Amya; siblings Jerry (Judy), Jim(Darlene), Jeff, Janet(Hugh) Wakefield; her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as dearest friends.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson on Thursday, March 14th. A visitation will begin at 11 am, with a service to follow at 12:30. Following the service, there will be a light lunch at Haumerson’s Pond Warming House. We want to thank our family, friends and various professionals who assisted in JoAnn’s valiant battle. And we want to give a special heartfelt thank you to Rainbow Hospice for helping with her wish to spend her final days at home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rainbow Hospice or the Humane Society of Jefferson County. “To let go takes love; I love you, and I know you love me too. Goodbye, dear one. “