Joellen L. Desens

JoEllen L. Desens, age 89, of Beaver Dam, passed into eternal life on Friday, June 16, 2023, in the Sylvan Crossings Hunter Ridge residential community; her home of the past four years where she lived and was cared for in mind, body and spirit by many individuals with whom she loved.

Joellen Louise was born on September 8, 1933 in Elkhart, Indiana to Robert and Beatrice (Culp) Chilcote, the firstborn of seven children; siblings Roberta, Janice, Robert Jr., Stephen, Jerry and Carol. Married high school sweetheart Jack Edward Penfold upon graduation and moved to the Chicago, Illinois area where the first four of her children were to be born and raised over the course their 17 year marriage; Jack Edward Jr., Gary Lee, Dana Alison and Sharon Jolie. She resided in the multiple Chicago suburban areas over the course of the next forty years until retirement, during which time she married the second love of her life James Desens, became a stepmother (Mark), mother to her baby, Gregory Scott and eventually an adoring grandmother to eight grandchildren who became the light of her life.

As a person of perseverance, Joellen was an incredible warrior who never gave up despite life’s challenges. She successfully battled breast cancer in her late sixties, returning to work after major surgeries and chemotherapy, barely missing a beat. She was an incredible warrior who chose to live life enduring the pain of severely debilitating and crippling arthritis; a condition that would ultimately profoundly handicap her. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure and dementia, Joellen long outlived her medically forecasted outcomes and she did so with an utmost grace. Her courage, faith, attitude and fire served to be an inspiration and sometimes humbling surprise to the army of professionals who cared for her.

Joellen was employed in her very early teens until she was no longer able to physically work or drive, finally retiring at 79 years old, primarily worked professionally as a medical assistant/administrator throughout all her life. She also maintained a wide variety of part time positions across a broad spectrum of industry as well. Upon professional retirement, Joellen moved to Watertown, Wisconsin in 2006 to be closer to her youngest sister Carol. She continued to work part time managing an antique store in Lake Mills, fostering her love of treasures from the past. Joellen also found great joy in her Wisconsin home in the cherished new friendships she made during her twilight years as a beloved resident. She enjoyed sharing common passions of her strong faith in God, old Hollywood movies, Japanese culture, cooking, reading, crossword puzzling, fashion, interior decorating, holidays, chocolates, sweets and coffee clatching most especially among her closest friends; the late “magnificent Millie” Asterwald of Watertown, Leticia Tessmer of Waterloo, Patti Neder of Watertown and her long time Watertown in home caregivers Debbie Jung and Krissy Ruprecht.

Blessed with 89 years of life, Joellen is survived by her beloved children, Jack (Terri) Penfold of Austin, TX, Dana (Tony) Serpico of Homer Glen, IL, Sharon Hazelwood of Clarendon Hills, IL, and Gregory (Kristina) Desens of Hastings, MI; daughter-in-law, Carole Ann Penfold of Waddy, KY; grandchildren Danny Penfold, Laura Collins (Aaron), Andrea Amyx (DJ), Anthony (Sarah), Nicholas (Brittney) and Gabrielle Serpico, Ian and Evan Hazelwood; great grandchildren (born to Laura and Aaron)-Sunny Quinn and newborn Milo who just arrived into the world on June 24, 2023. She is also survived by many family members as a loving aunt, great aunt, cousin, in law, “mother from another” friends, adored long time hairdresser Scott Stewart and pets- including Simba, who forever enjoyed her quiet under the table handouts throughout the years.

Joellen is preceded in death by her beloved son Gary Lee Penfold, both parents, both late husbands, her siblings Janice and Jerry Lee and cousin Mrytle Mae Larsen.

Joellen’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of loving caregivers past and present within the Sylvan Crossings community, as well as to the exceptional providers of medical care and oversight throughout both of her residencies in Watertown and Beaver Dam Wisconsin. She was forever blessed and deeply thankful for the personal care, love and support she received from these many, many individuals with whom she came to know and love and with whom she truly felt were also members of her extended family.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. At this time, multiple celebrations of life are being planned in Joellen’s memory. In addition, a fund that would benefit Joellen’s grandson Ian Hazelwood -who is in desperate need of a life- saving kidney transplant is being established in her memory. To leave online condolences, contribute to this fund in her memory, or for more directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.