Joann Ziegeweid

Joann Sophie (Bambenek) Ziegeweid, age 89, of Minnesota City, MN, died Friday, December 1, 2023, at Lake Winona Manor.

Joann was born December 3, 1933, to Vincent A. and Sophie (Stanislawski) Bambenek in Dodge, WI. She attended the one room school at Dodge and graduated from Sacred Heart School, Pine Creek, WI, and Arcadia High School in 1951. She was a graduate of the Winona Business College, and went on to be employed by attorney J.M. George at the law firm of George, Brehmer & McMahon until her marriage. She married her high school sweetheart, Lyle Ziegeweid on February 11, 1956 at Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek. While raising their family, Lyle and Joann founded Lyle’s Interiors in 1961. Joann and Lyle worked side by side until they sold the firm in 1977 to Lyle’s brother and his wife, David and Therese Ziegeweid. They then owned and operated the RiteWay, Canvas Shade & Upholstery, and Solar Energy of Winona businesses. In 1990, they sold those businesses to Greg and Linda Kuehntopp. Lyle and Joann then established Flags & Poles International, which was first a local business, then regional, eventually developing into a nationwide online business for flags, flagpoles, and banners, as well as having a local presence as a store on Third Street in Winona. After 59 years of marriage, Lyle passed on January 11, 2016. Joann continued the business until January 1, 2018. At which time she sold Flags & Poles International to Joel and Jodi Hennessy of Lewiston, MN. Joann lived life to the fullest, was a hard worker, and retired at age eighty-four.

Joann loved her family very much and was always there to help them whenever there was a need. She treasured her Catholic faith and was active in church affairs at St. Paul’s Parish in Minnesota City, and later St. Casimir in Winona. Lyle and Joann enjoyed their travels throughout the United States, and had fond memories of Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, the Caribbean, and varied European destinations.

Joann is a lifetime member of Winona Court #191 Catholic Daughters, Winona Elks Lodge, Polish Museum, Minnesota City Historical Society, Winona County Old Settlers, MCCL, BirthRite, and the Arcadia Historical Society. She served for many years on the Winona County Planning & Zoning Board, and the Winona County Variance Board, as well as the Garvin Brook Disaster Relief Board, and was an election judge for many years in several Winona County precincts.

Joann is lovingly survived by her children: Brian Ziegeweid, and John (Deborah) Ziegeweid; grandchildren: Nicholas (Erica), Joshua (Carly), and Tara Ziegeweid; great-grandchildren: Sveya Ann, Arya Jo, and Jaxon John Ziegeweid; brother, Jerome (Mary Ann) Bambenek; sister-in-law, Rosalyn Bambenek; plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lyle in 2016, and brother, Roger Bambenek in 2009.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11AM at St. Casimir Parish in Winona with Revs. Mark McNea and Joseph Bambenek concelebrating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9am – 11am at the church, with a Rosary service at 10:15am. Interment will follow at St. Josheph Catholic Cemetery, Glencoe – rural Arcadia, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes Masses be offered, or a memorial donation be made to St. Casimir Maintenance Fund, or St. Joseph Cemetery Maintenance Fund, or to the donor’s choice.