Joan was born on December 6, 1942 to LaVerne and Effie Freng.  She spent her early childhood in the Onalaska/LaCrosse area and then moved to Mindoro when she was a freshman.  She spoke of many wonderful friends from both communities.  A few years later she met Harold Danielson and they were married September 2, 1961.  Shortly after their wedding they bought a farm outside of Mindoro where they spent their whole married life.  Our parents worked on the farm together.  Mom took special pride in her vegetable garden and spent each fall canning vegetables.

She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and baked delicious Norwegian lefse, sandbakkes, and rosettes during the Christmas season.  She also took pride in fixing up our farm house. She was an original DIY star – figuring out how to make improvements on the house without YouTube.

Joan had four children, eight grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. John (Cynthia) Danielson, Mary (Bill) Fitzgerald [Will and Sean], Paul (Margie) Danielson [Moira and Abby}, and Kathy (John) Huber [Carrie/Brian Williams (Elizabeth and Finnick) and Caitlin/Josh Ward (Lucia)].

She cherished her children and grandchildren and proudly shared their accomplishments with everyone.

She worked at NCR and Northern Engraving in West Salem.  She served on the Melrose-Mindoro school board for many years.  After retirement she helped as a substitute food server in the Holmen School District.

Mom was diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and has bravely walked through life with all of the challenges that come along with that debilitating condition.  I was recently reminded by many of the staff at Eagle Crest as to how she touched so many of their lives even with memory loss.  We are so thankful for all of the nurses and RCA staff that loved our mom. Your Joanie loved you very much.  Gundersen hospice provided wonderful care to our mom and our family.  Health care providers are angels!

Joan is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; siblings:  Bonnie Paisley, Mary (Sid) Welda, Laurance (Luana) Freng, David (Berice) Freng, and Jim (Sandy) Freng, and many nieces and nephews.

She has been reunited in heaven with her husband, Harold; parents, Effie and LaVerne;  loving in-laws, Carrie and Louis;  brothers, Orlando and Steve;  sister,  Patricia Padretti; two nephews and a niece.

A Celebration of Life will be led by Pastor Emma Grinde at Mindoro Lutheran Church at 11 am on December 11, 2024 with a visitation from 9:30-11:00 am before the service.   Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family