Joan Berenese Wilhelm, Indianapolis, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She was 91 years old. Joan was born in Indianapolis, IN to her parents Samuel Pollard and Velda Parker. She graduated from Southport High School. Joan married her husband, Wallace "Fred" Frederick Wilhelm on April 1, 1950 and they shared 49  years of marriage together before Wallace passed away on May 28, 1999.
Joan worked as a nurse's aid for St. Francis Hospital and retired after 35 dedicated years of service. Joan was a member of Northern Park Baptist Church for 15 years. Joan enjoyed aiding the food ministry at the church; she would prepare her famous salsa, cheese dip, cinnamon rolls and homemade noodles to support the church's fundraising efforts. Joan was a marvelous cook that loyally prepared meals to nourish her family. Joan also enjoyed crocheting; she would give away her various projects to her family, friends and to the less fortunate alongside her husband. In her younger years, Joan enjoyed bowling in a league with her work friends. Joan put her family in the center of her life and always made sure they knew how proud she was of them. Joan's sensible nature and generous personality will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.
Joan is survived by her children, Roxann Wilhelm, Bruce (Kathi) Wilhelm, Mark (Terrie) Wilhelm, Maretta (Rick) Zerminski, Rex (Carole) Wilhelm, Sam (Mary) Wilhelm, Neva (Rex) Soladine, Janelle (Andy Everett) Wilhelm; her daughter in law, Paula Wilhelm; her son in law, Jim Rabb; her 21 grandchildren; her 39 great grandchildren; her 1 great great grandchild; her brother, David Pollard; her several nieces and nephews.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wallace "Fred"; her children Alan Wilhelm and Lanette Rabb; her sisters, Loretta Harris and Marjorie Amos.
A visitation for Joan will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:00 am. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 12:30 pm.

Donations

For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests that donations be sent to Outside the Box, https://otbonline.org/donate-today-1.