Sally Ann (Lipke) Johanningmeier, 66, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin formerly of Monona, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Mayo Franciscan Hospital in La Crosse. Sally was born July 4, 1953 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. She attended St. Gabriel’s for elementary and middle school and graduated from Prairie du Chien High School. Sally married the love of her life, Bill, on November 4, 1971. Together they farmed on the Yellow River outside Harpers Ferry, Iowa for many years, later moving to rural Monona. Sally earned her nursing degree from Northeast Iowa Community College and worked as a registered nurse at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital.
Sally loved music, the river, water skiing, and playing cards and games with family and friends. She was a gifted organist and pianist who could play countless songs from memory. Sally played organ and piano for church services and daily mass at St. Gabriel’s. She later played piano at nursing homes and accompanied her children on the piano for vocal and instrumental contests and church Christmas services.
Sally loved her family and entertaining them in her home. She was a tremendous cook, and especially enjoyed Fourth of July get-togethers and fireworks with her mom, children, grandchildren and cousin Tom de Ranitz.
Sally is survived by Bill; children, Josh (Jeanie) Johanningmeier, Middleton, Wisconsin and Kymm (Rob) Clark, Kalamazoo, Michigan; five grandchildren, Reese, Lane and Tayte Johanningmeier and Vanessa and Danny Clark; sister, Mary (Jerry) Tabbert, Galesville, Wisconsin; brother, Bob Lipke, Eau Claire, Wsconsin; and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Lyle Lipke.
A private service of Christian Burial will take place in Monona, Iowa.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date when Covid-19 restrictions allow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials and cards in Sally’s honor may be sent to Bill Johanningmeier, 21982 Pleasant Ridge Road, Monona, Iowa 52159.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family.