Johanne E Molke

Johanne Ethel (née Newhaller) Molke, 94, of West Milford, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 09, 2025, at her longtime home on High Crest Lake, where she lived for 62 years with her husband, the late Herbert Molke.

Born and raised in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Johanne graduated from Ridgefield Park High School, Class of 1948. A woman of resolve and determination, she raised her family while building a successful career in real estate. She founded and owned Johanne E. Molke Real Estate, where she took pride in helping her clients find their perfect home. 

Johanne was the beloved matriarch of the Molke family – a strong, thoughtful presence whose love and guidance shaped generations. She brought her family together with grace, strength, and unwavering devotion.

She was the loving mother of Carol (Molke) Lockenvitz and her husband Jeff, Nancy (Molke) DeFeo and her husband David, and Sue (Molke) Denuel and her husband Paul. She was predeceased by her son, Steven Molke. 

Affectionately known as “JoJo” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Johanne was extremely proud of each of them, offering both steadfast support and high expectations in equal measure. She is survived by her grandchildren: Kyle DeFeo (Megan), Randy DeFeo (Amanda), Daniel Lockenvitz (Sarah Rose), Stephen Denuel (Alura), Eric Lockenvitz, Lauren Nunley (Caleb), Gabrielle Driskill, and Matthew DeFeo; and by her great-grandchildren: Millie, Welles, Henry, Olivia, Cooper, Emmerson, Duke, and Tyson.

Johanne was predeceased by her siblings—Louise (née Newhaller) Doll, Dorothy Newhaller, and Daniel Newhaller - and carried deep affection for her many nieces and nephews throughout her life who affectionately called her “Aunt Honey.” 

She enjoyed walking, playing golf with Herb, investing, real estate and being an active member of the High Crest Lake community. But most of all, she treasured time spent with her family, especially summers and holidays at the lake and visits to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Molke family extends deep gratitude to all who visited and cared for Johanne in her later years, with special thanks to niece Ellen Schmidt and caregiver Grace Obeng for her extraordinary kindness, love and support.

Memorial donations in Johanne’s honor may be made to Valley Hospital Hospice at valleyhospice.org or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

A private burial was held at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery,