Joan M. Gliniecki, 86, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on May 9, 1939, to the late Alvin and Mary (Jurkowski) Tomczik.
Joan was united in marriage to Theodore Gliniecki on April 11, 1959. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and caring for others. He preceded her in death.
After graduating from high school, Joan pursued her passion for beauty and people by earning her cosmetology certification. She spent her life as a hairdresser, continuing to work until the remarkable age of 85. To Joan, her clients were more than appointments—they were friends. She treasured the conversations, the laughter, and the chance to be part of their lives.
Joan had a joyful spirit and loved the simple pleasures—an afternoon of bingo, a trip to the slot machines, or a lively card game surrounded by family and friends. Her home was often filled with the smell of fresh baking and the sounds of gatherings she so loved to host.
Her generosity was one of her greatest gifts. Joan gave freely of her time, always ready to lend a hand or simply sit and visit with someone who needed company. She volunteered often, especially at Marywood Convalescent Center, and made sure her children understood the importance of giving back. Each Christmas, she quietly made a difference by helping families in need, a tradition that reflected her kind and giving heart.
Joan loved flowers and found joy in their beauty, but nothing meant more to her than her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she took every opportunity to be part of their lives.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Jackie) Gliniecki, Michelle (Jesse) Angell, and Lori (Jack) Hehling; ten grandchildren, Desiree (Cory), Darlene (Eric), Colleen, Alyssa (Rob), Tianna (Dan), Brittany, Robert (Erin), Amanda, Ted, and Colton; and great-grandchildren, Laylanee, Olivia, Oliver, Wally, Dominic, Aiden, Emsley, and Ashton. She is further survived by her special friend, Bernell Ellenbecker; sisters-in-law, Marie Tomczik, Gertrude Gabrielski and Gloria Milanowski; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by her fiancé, John Wolfe; siblings, Jim and Rosie Tomczik; and her grandson, Chase Howe.
