Joan Anne Purdy, 69, of Waupaca, WI—formerly of Woodstock, IL—passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
To know Joan was to love Joan. She had a magnetic presence, a gift for conversation, and an infectious laugh. Her warmth, humor, and boundless devotion to her family and community were hallmarks of a life well lived and deeply cherished.
Born in Indianapolis, IN on January 23, 1956, Joan was the beloved daughter of Jean A. (Johnson) and John L. Oberrieder. She grew up in Deerfield, IL and graduated from Deerfield High School. Joan went on to attend Drake University, where she met the love of her life, Dr. Robin Keith Purdy, Sr. Their love story began in 1975 through their shared involvement with the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, where Joan was named a Little Sister. They married on December 16, 1978 while Robin was attending medical school.
Joan and Robin made their home in Woodstock, IL, where they raised four children and together operated Woodstock Family Practice Center. Joan’s greatest gift was her dedication to motherhood. She poured her heart into raising her children and was actively involved in their schools and extracurricular activities. She also enjoyed gardening, entertaining, cooking, and had a special love for her dogs.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Joan was a faithful member of St. Ann’s in Woodstock and later of St. Mark’s in Waupaca. Her faith was central to her life. She served both churches through altar guild and vestry work and held leadership roles as both junior and senior warden, giving generously of her time and spirit.
In 2017, Joan and Robin moved full-time to their lake home on Round Lake in Waupaca, where they found joy in lakeside living. Joan especially loved being on the water, floating with family and friends, and spent many cherished evenings cruising the lake on their pontoon boat, affectionately named “The Living Room.”
Her friendships were many and lifelong; she made friends wherever she went and kept them close to her heart. A founding member of the Carmany Park Girls, Joan was affectionately known to neighbors as “The Sheriff.” She had a presence that was impossible to miss and a way of making everyone feel like family.
Beyond being a devoted wife and a fiercely loving mother, Joan was a proud and doting Nana to her eight grandchildren: Jack, Cal, Townes, Eleanor, Geneva, George, Clark, and Beau.
Joan is survived by her beloved husband, Robin; her children Robin Keith Jr. (Brittney) of Denver, Elizabeth Anne (Luke) Faulkner of Chicago, Hilary Louise (Michael) Orlowski of St. Louis, and Laura Ruth (Andrew) McCready of Madison; her grandchildren; her brothers John (Marsha) Oberrieder and Jay (Cathy Yarbrough) Oberrieder; her mother-in-law, Wanda Purdy; her brothers-in-law Todd (Kristina) Purdy and Dan Nichols; her many nieces and nephews; and her countless treasured friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law, Dallas Purdy; her sister-in-law, Terri Nichols; and Sarah McCullagh, a family friend who was like a daughter to Joan.
Joan's legacy of love, strength, and joy lives on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
The Purdy family extends their deepest gratitude to the many compassionate providers and caregivers who supported Joan throughout her illness. Special thanks go to the ALS Association, ThedaCare at Home, and Home Instead for their exceptional care, guidance, and kindness. Their support made an immeasurable difference in Joan’s journey.
Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 415 S Main Street in Waupaca. A service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Joan’s memory to the ALS Association or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Waupaca.
