Joan Joseph

Joan Joseph, age 83, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at Wisconsin Rapids Health Services in Wisconsin Rapids.
Services will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Joan was born March 28, 1940 in Benton, Illinois to Carl and Hildred (Dillon) Davis. She lived in Benton until she moved to Rock Falls, Illinois in her teens, and graduated from Rock Falls High School. She married Palmer Swanson Jr. on May 11, 1958. They were blessed with four children. She moved to Mount Prospect, Illinois in 1979, and married Herb Joseph on June 9, 1982. She moved to Wisconsin Rapids, WI in 1994.
Joan lived a full life. While she was a full-time wife and mom to four kids, she was also a part time medical records transcriptionist, church secretary, and a volunteer at schools and scouting. She helped found and directed a real estate academy in the Chicagoland area. Later in life she was a loving grandmother and continued to volunteer her time with several organizations including the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center and her church, where she was involved and held numerous positions throughout her life. She was a Sunday and Bible School teacher, a lecturer, and a part of many bible studies.
Joan loved to travel visiting England, Scotland, Germany, and China. She loved theater and was active all through her years as an actor, director, and stage hand. She was instrumental in starting the Silver Foxes group at the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater. She was also a Christian Clown named “Echo”. Her favorite things were her family, daffodils, sunflowers, bubbles, pinwheels, unicorns, coloring, ANYTHING sweet, casinos, and Elvis.
Joan is survived by three children: Eric Swanson of Sterling, IL, Sonja Swanson of Wisconsin Rapids, and Mark (Yolanda) Swanson of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren: Conan Swanson, Kayla Swanson, Natalie (Jacob) Hendrix, Kyle (Katie) Swanson, Blake (Angie) Swanson, Alec (Melissa) Swanson, Ryann Swanson, and Taylor Swanson; seventeen great grandchildren; sister-in-law Judy Davis; and brother-in-law Chuck Whitmore. She is preceded in death by her parents; former husband Palmer Swanson Jr.; son Evan Swanson; daughter-in-law, Tina Swanson; brother Darrel Davis; and sister Debbie Whitmore.
In lieu of flowers, Joan’s family requests donations to a memorial in her name benefiting two groups she was an active supporter of: Wisconsin Rapids Family Center and Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater.
Thanks to all who knew her, worked with her, and were a part of her life. Those touches contributed to the wonderful person she was.
Special thanks to the staff of Wisconsin Rapids Health Services, Lakeland and Hospice, you made her feel special, important, kept her safe, and provided great care.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.