Joanne (Ahle) Guggisberg, 73, of Warne, NC, passed away on November 18, 2016 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center as a result of an automobile accident. Born and raised in New Ulm, MN, and a long-time resident of Fort Wayne, IN, she had lived in Warne since 2000.

She was the tender and beloved wife of Ronald Guggisberg, for 52 blessed years. She was the proud and loving mother of four children; Lisa (Franklind) Lea of Alpharetta GA, Gail (Brian) Doran of Fort Wayne IN, Timothy Guggisberg (Julie Tovey) of Williamston SC, and Ann Guggisberg (Philip Ruzycki) of St. Louis MO. She was the devoted grandmother of three grandsons; Eric Doran, Alan Doran, and Russell Lea. She loved her family with her heart and soul, supporting them through all the small and big moments in life. The warmth of her hugs and the sound of her laughter will remain in our hearts.

She is also survived by her brothers; Myron Ahle of St. Cloud MN, and Jack Ahle of Largo FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Cora Ahle.

Joanne was a dedicated servant in everything she did. She was active with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hayesville NC, where she started the Faith Formation classes for children. She volunteered and served as president at Granny’s Thrift Store supporting the Good Shepherd Hospice, also in Hayesville. Many may know her from Tiger’s Department Store in Hayesville. She also supported the Warne Volunteer Fire Department and many other groups in the community.

She always had a project or two (or ten) in the works. She looked ahead in life and was never discouraged; there was never a reason to give up. She danced through her life with love and laughter. She will always be with us…in our hearts, in our memories, in our lives.

The family received friends on November 21 from 6:00 to 8:00PM in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville. A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 11:00AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hayesville. The church family provided a meal following the Mass. The interment will be held at a later date in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery in New Ulm, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made in memory of Joanne Guggisberg to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 546, Murphy NC 28906, or Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice, 125 Medical Park Lane, Suite H, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.