Mrs. Joan Elizabeth Neilsen

I met Joan when she came to Monroe High School to do her student teaching in German and French. We became colleagues and close friends. We shared concerns, hopes, memories, and most of all, LAUGHS. The last time we were together was on a hot summer day here in Wisconsin. Our granddaughters played together while we talked and laughed and talked some more. Our hearts are with Tom and the family. I miss her.

Joan was my neighbor for the past two years in LaVernia. We yelled often across the fence after COVID. Before that, I would often be invited over to their front porch for a tall Coors beer. Our conversations were wonderful and full of intellectual curiosity about the lives the three of us had lived. She always asked about my sons and was a dear person to them. She informed me by FB message when there was a raging wildfire in our neighborhood. She volunteered to go into my home to get my dogs out in case the fire came close. The black smoke overcame her as she attempted to get in through my garage with the code. Thankfully, the fire was stopped before it reached either of our homes. Both Tom and Joan were dear neighbors to me before I moved a couple of months ago. I will miss her. My condolences, Tom.

Joan was my neighbor and best friend in Glen Ellyn in the early ‘80’s. Our oldest boys, Jon and Soren, were born 10 days apart so we experienced the joys and trials of first time mothers together. We have stayed in touch all these years and like everyone, we were heartbroken to hear the news of Joan’s unexpected passing. She will be missed by the many people whose lives Joan touched!!❤️

Joan was with us in Council Bluffs for a short while but left a lasting imprint on our hearts.