Joanne Weis Gerg, 89, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born August 21, 1936, in St. Marys, PA, daughter of the late Leander "Lee" and Marian Ryan Weis. Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Gerg. High school sweethearts, Joanne and Kenneth were married on August 22, 1959, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in St. Marys, sharing nearly 67 years of marriage.
Joanne was a graduate of St. Marys Central Catholic High School. For many years, Joanne was a valued and dedicated employee of Speer Carbon Company.
She was deeply committed to her community and took great pride in serving the families of Cameron County. She was a member of the Cameron County School Board and served as its president, giving many years of her time and leadership to the education and well-being of local children. Her commitment to the well-being of her community also extended to those in need of medical care, and she served on the board of Penn Highlands Community Nurses. She was a faithful member of the Catholic community and a longtime member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium.
Joanne was surrounded by loving family, deep and abiding friendships, and loved by her community. She was known for her quick wit and keen intelligence, which made her a formidable opponent from Scrabble to Mahjong. She was known for her kindness, strength, and willingness to help others. Her home was always open, and she welcomed people from all corners of the earth, regularly hosting exchange students and foreign visitors and making each one feel like part of her family.
Joanne was also an avid traveler, journeying far and wide — from the mountains of Alberta, Canada on horseback to the beaches of Hawaii to the plains of Zimbabwe — always eager to see more of the world and its people.
Joanne especially cherished the time she spent with her family, and she took great pride in raising and loving her children and grandchildren, supporting them in all their endeavors and celebrating their accomplishments. A skilled entertainer, Joanne made every family gathering special and will be remembered for always setting a gorgeous table laden with all the family favorites including her homemade pecan and apple pies, chicken wings, liver pate, cheese roll and stuffed mushrooms.
In addition to her husband, Ken, she is survived by four children: Sharon Eggstein (Bobby), Bryn Mawr, PA; Colleen Taylor (Jim), Swarthmore, PA; Carolyn Jensen (Harold), Newtown Square, PA; and Kenneth Gerg (Cherè), Whitefish, MT.
She is also survived by five grandchildren: William "Wiggy" Kirk (Samantha), Timothy Kirk (Rebecca), Harold Jensen III, Hannah Jensen, and Soledad Gerg; as well as a sister-in-law, Marjorie Gerg, St. Marys, and 19 adoring nieces and nephews.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Leander "Lee" and Marian Ryan Weis; a sister, Mary Lee Urmann; and three brothers, Leo "Bunk" Weis, William Weis, and James Weis.
Visitation with a Video Tribute will be held at Barnett Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
On what would have been Joanne's 90th birthday, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA, Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM, with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant.
Burial will be in St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Penn Highlands Community Nurses, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Follow the prompts from the Home Health Donation Page, choose $ Amount, choose General Fund, Click Add Donation, Go to your cart in upper right corner and Select Donate, Enter your information, Select Dedicate a Donation, Enter Joanne Gerg, Select Payment Type.
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
