Joan Martin

Monday, October 2, 2017 11:20 am

Joan Martin, 83, of West Union, (formerly of Calmar), died peacefully with her family by her side Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, at Gunderson Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union. A graveside service was at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Calmar, with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating. A family reading was offered by Patricia Price. Hymns were “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again” and “In The Garden.” Casket bearers were Charles Barr, Gene Houdek, John Paul and Tom Price. Interment was at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, Calmar. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, Calmar.

Joan Ann Martin was born at home in Calmar Nov. 18, 1933, to Charles and Marcella (Houdek) Barr. She attended school in Calmar. She met her soulmate and the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Martin at Art’s Roller Rink in Ossian. Robert and Joan were united in marriage March 26, 1951, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, by Father Robert Cooney. This union was blessed with two daughters, Patricia Ann and Donna Jean. Joan lived in Calmar all of her married life. She enjoyed a wonderful and happy life with Bob and her daughters. In earlier years, she worked at Phil’s Café in Calmar, Calmar Manufacturing, did daycare in her home and was a stay-at-home mother raising her daughters. She loved making wedding flowers, doing crafts of all kinds and entering many craft shows. She was a loving wife and mother and made many friends throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed all the family get-togethers and birthday parties. Joan was an excellent cook and baker and loved going shopping and eating out at her favorite places with her daughters. She touched the lives of everyone who knew and loved her.

Her family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the Palmer Hospice nurses for the loving care they gave their mother during her stay with them and for all the kindness and support they gave the family. She will be dearly missed.

Joan is survived by her two daughters, Patricia (Tom) Price, Waterloo and Donna Martin, Calmar; Yorkie Grand-puppy, Lilly; brother, Roger Barr, Mason City; nephew, Charles Barr (Marlene), Rochester, Minn.; niece, Deb Higley, Northwood; many cousins.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Martin, in 1997; parents, Charles and Marcella (Houdek) Barr.