Joan Elaine Muir, daughter of John Nels Anderson and Lillian Marie Edwards Anderson, was born October 31, 1937 in Joliet, Illinois, and died January 25, 2011 at her home in Dawson, Iowa, at the age of 73 years, 2 months, and 24 days. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 29, 2011, Rippey United Methodist Church, Rippey, Iowa. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Enna Antunez and Pastor Paul Burrow of the Rippey United Methodist Church.
Her casket bearers were Brandon Muir, Justin Muir, Nick Miller, Scott Roberts, John Benson, and Tom Tierney. The pianist was Mary Ann Hick, with soloist, Brenda Roberts singing, “Hymn Of Promise” and “The Lord’s Prayer”. The ushers were Kevin Hick and Pete Bardole with burial at the Dallas Township Cemetery, near Dawson, Iowa. Everyone was invited to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church following the service at the cemetery.
Joan attended grade school at Custer Park, Illinois. Following her 8th grade graduation, Joan attended Braidwood High School, graduating in 1955. She then attended McCormick Business College in Joliet. On June 29, 1958, Joan was united in marriage to Robert C. Muir. They were parents of four children, John, Ken, Sara, and Bobby. Joan worked at the Ordnance Ammunition Plant in Joliet, Illinois while the couple lived in Odell, Illinois. In the spring of 1960, Joan and Bob moved to their farm in Dawson, Iowa. Joan worked as a secretary for nearly 20 years for the United Methodist Church in Perry, working for nine pastors.
Joan’s family was her biggest treasure. She enjoyed going to the family farm pond, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends. Her hobbies included cross-stitching, reading, swimming, shopping, decorating her home, flower gardening, spending time in her yard and collecting chickens. She loved her cats. Joan was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Red Hat Society. She and Bob enjoyed traveling, with some of their destinations being California, Texas and Calgary. Joan was preceded in death by her mother in 1988; her father in 1995; and two brothers-in-law John Phillip “Jack” Muir and James Earl Muir. Joan is survived by and lovingly remembered by her husband Bob of Dawson, Iowa; her children: Sara Jorgensen and husband Jim of Mt. Vernon, South Dakota; John Muir and wife Brenda; Ken Muir; and Bobby and wife Dorothy; all of Rippey, Iowa; 8 grandchildren: Brandon Muir, Ashley Muir Miller and husband Nick; Justin Muir; Johnna Jorgensen; Lane Jorgensen; Clay Jorgensen; Elijah Muir; and Lillian Muir.
Joan is also survived by her sisters-in-law Bonnie Davis and husband Harold; Beverly Muir; all of Odell, Illinois; Helen Stafford and husband Dick of Saunemin, Illinois; Florence Klingler of Dwight, Illinois; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Memorials may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home,1417 Second Street, Perry, Iowa 50220