Joy L. Haehlke

Joy Lynette Haehlke, age 77, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at her home, while surrounded by her loving family, and under the care of Interim Hospice Care of Wausau. She was born on November 1, 1947, to the late Lavern and Arlene (Oelke) Teske in Wausau, WI. Joy married Roderick “Rod” Haehlke on May 19, 1984 in the town of Berlin. He survives.

Joy attended and graduated from Merrill High School, before furthering her education at UW-Stevens Point, to earn her bachelor’s degree in education. Joy went on to teach reading to elementary children for many years, something that was a heartfelt passion of hers. She loved reading in general, but enjoyed helping children grow in reading every day. Joy retired from teaching in 2006. She and Rod would enjoy bowling together, and she would look forward to shopping trips with her good friends! Joy loved teddy bears, especially Boyd’s Bears, and had an enormous collection of teddy bear items. She had a favorite teddy bear, Alfie, that she would often refer to. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she was always excited to spend precious time with her beloved grandchildren. Along with teaching children in the school system, she also had taught Sunday school. Joy was an avid Brewers fan, and tuned in to the game every chance she had! She was a member of the Red Hat Society and of St. Peter ELCA. Joy is remembered as a caring, loving and patient woman that touched many lives during her time on earth.

Joy was loved dearly and leaves behind her husband: Roderick “Rod” Haehlke of Wausau, WI, sons: Andrew (Crystal) Porath of Cynthiana, IN, with their daughter: Kaitlyn, and Nathan (Angie) Porath of Wausau, WI, with their children: Callon, Cassidy and Chase, step-son: Roderick (Caroline) Haehlke Jr. of Marathon City, WI, with their children: Matthew, McKenna and Mylee and brother: Randell Teske. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral service for Joy will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter ELCA, in the town of Hamburg. Pastor Will Ostrem will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at St. Peter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Joy’s name be directed to the TB Scott Library endowment fund..

The family wants to express their appreciation and gratitude to Joy’s long-time caregiver, Heather Krzanowski and good friends, Paulette Robinson (deceased) and Diane Ziebell, for all of the love, care and support shown to Joy and her family over the years.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.