Joan M. Hamernik

Joan M. Hamernik, age 88, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Callista Court in Winona.

She was born on September 7, 1937, to Edward and Dorothy (Herrick) Fischer, and was a graduate of Winona High School. Joan was united in marriage with Wayne E. Hamernik on August 17, 1957, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona, and he preceded her in death on February 14, 2024.

Joan worked in retail for many years including with Ehlers and JC Penney in Winona prior to her retirement.

She will be remembered for her enjoyment of flowers, gardening, bus trips, going to the casino, and for her sense of humor and fun. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she especially cherished the time spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her the most.

Joan is lovingly survived by her children: Kathryn (Tim Walters) Hamernik, Michael (Nancy) Hamernik, and Patricia Hamernik; grandchildren: Michael (Nicole) Padgett and Connie (Kyle) Gollnick; great-grandchildren: Evan, Gabby, and Zoie Padgett; and Texas, Mavryk, and Charlotte Gollnick; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, and her parents.

Honoring her wishes, funeral services will be held privately. Joan will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN, beside her beloved Wayne.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Winona Health Hospice in honor of the excellent care they gave to Joan.

Online condolences or memories may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.