Jill J. Noah

Jill J. Noah, born Jill Joan Colby on December 31, 1947, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center. She lived a life defined by deep devotion to family, compassion for others, and quiet pride in her work as a nurse.

Raised in Loyal, Wisconsin, she later moved with her family to Clinton, where she graduated from Clinton High School in 1966. That same year she married Larry Vander Kooi, and the couple settled in Mosinee to farm before later divorcing. In 1986, Jill moved to Arizona, where she attended nursing school and earned her L.P.N. license. She took great satisfaction in her career caring for patients in the Pine Top/Lakeside area, known for her kindness and skill. She returned to Wisconsin and on August 8, 2008, married Elmer E. Noah at Immanuel United Church of Christ in rural Greenwood. In her later years she provided home health care and worked as a chaperone for Greenwood Bus Service. She was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Auxiliary and had volunteered with Arizona Search & Rescue during her time in the Southwest.

Jill found joy in gardening, plants and flowers, traveling, and especially in time spent with her family, who were the center of her world. She is survived by her husband, Elmer, of Greenwood; her seven children, Jeff (Monica) Vander Kooi of Brodhead, Jayson (Renita) Vander Kooi of Mauston, Kateri (Cory) Bartz of Clinton, Michelle (Scott) Radke of Thorp, Jodi (Ken) Kitzhaber of Greenwood, Jason Noah (Chrissy Mayer) of Greenwood, and Brad Noah (Phillis Duva) of Green Bay; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her four brothers, Craig (April) Colby of Apache Junction, Arizona, Carter (Carol) Colby of Stevens Point, Carl (Lynda) Colby of Pell Lake, and Curt Colby of South Beloit, Illinois, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Joan Colby; one sister, Jan Mastin; two brothers, Clark and Chris Colby; and her grandparents, Buford and Alta Schoonover. As the oldest sibling, Jill remained a steady source of strength, guidance, and love for her family throughout her life. Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched through her care, the family she cherished and raised, and the love she gave so generously. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.