Joan Marie Francois , Age 86


February 22, 1934 --November 23, 2020

Joan Marie Francois passed away early Nov. 23, 2020 into the presence of her Savior. Joan was a lifelong resident of Baraboo. Born Feb. 22, 1934 to her parents Ervin and Nellie Luetkens (Seamans). She attended Baraboo Schools and graduated in 1952. Only July 5, 1952 she married the man of her dreams, Wayne, whom she met at a high school dance. They were married for 68 years. They resided in Delton Township on a small farm since 1955 until she and Wayne moved to Oak Park Place in February 2020. During those years she worked for bell Telephone, starting as a switchboard operator in the Baraboo office at age 17, and retiring in 1985.

Joan did amazing hand crafts, particularly sewing, knitting, cross-stitch and whatever caught her fancy, for which she won many blue ribbons at the Sauk County Fair. After retirement, Wayne and Joan traveled the world and throughout all 50 US states. She found time to volunteer for Dorcas at Walnut Hill Bible Church, Telephone Pioneers and the St Clare Auxiliary. She shared fellowship with the believers at Walnut Hill Bible Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Melvin and David Luetkens.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne; son, Roger Francois of Tarpon Springs, FL; daughters, Karen Zimmerman of Baraboo, Yvonne (Ray) Kot of Glen Allen, VA and Gail (Tom) Cox of Evanston, IL. Also surviving are her brothers, Kenneth of Baraboo, Jerry of Middleton and her sister, Joyce of Lodi.

Joan will be missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Walnut Hill Bible Church with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 12, noon until the time of service. Inurnment will follow at Butterfield Cemetery. Face masks and social distancing will be strongly enforced at the visitation and service. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.



Condolences

Carol Gutierrez November 24, 2020

Friend of Gail Phoenix , Arizona

Sending warm wishes fir happy memories to fill your hearts

NANCY KOWALKE November 26, 2020

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Karen.....Sincere sympathy to you and your family. Wishing you wonderful memories that give you comfort at this difficult time.

Pat Doucette December 06, 2020

Friend Madison , Wisconsin

I worked with Joan when she transferred to the Operator Services Department in Madison. Joan was an excellent Service Assistant in operator services and eventually she transferred to another department. After retirement, I enjoyed visiting with Joan at the AT& Pioneer luncheons. I admired the beautiful baby hats she donated for Meriter Hospital. I will certainly miss her.

Anne Hutchens December 29, 2020

Friend of Joan Baraboo , Wisconsin

Karen... thinking of you often...