Obituaries & Guestbook

JoAnn Derus, age 72, of Sheboygan, died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at her home. She was born in Fond du Lac, WI, on September 6, 1952, to the late Francis and Dorothy (Schaefer) Schomisch.
JoAnn attended Chilton High School, graduating in 1970. On July 12, 1975, she was united in marriage to Robert Derus in Chilton. JoAnn was employed as a dental assistant at Taylor Drive Dental Care in Sheboygan for over 20 years, retiring in 2004.
JoAnn was a member of Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Sheboygan and was a Brownie Leader for both of her daughters’ troops when they were young. She enjoyed Saturday night couples bowling league (even after no longer bowling, still enjoyed the dinners and friendships made), supper clubbing, camping, fishing, golfing, scrap booking, and sewing. Jo and Bob spent as much time together as they could and loved going to casinos and area establishments to have a couple of drinks, have some dinner and try their luck on the slot machines. Many good times were had. She also loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, vacations with her family, trips to Door County, decorating for Christmas and coloring Easter eggs, which was a much looked forward to annual event with her four special grandchildren. Annual shopping trips with her girls was also a beloved tradition.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Derus, of Sheboygan; two daughters, Jennifer (Beau) Stricker, and Andrea (Aaron) Groh, both of Sheboygan; her four grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Alexandra Stricker, and Zachary and Nolan Groh; a sister, Jane Connelly, of Athens, GA; her brother, Mark (Jackie) Schomisch, of Fond du Lac; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Jean) Derus, and David (Mary Jean) Derus, both of Sheboygan; a sister-in-law, Susan (Doug Pilon) Derus, of Fond du Lac; and her furry companion, “Holly”. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester and Doris Derus, and a brother-in-law, Jim Connelly.
A funeral service for JoAnn will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.