Joan Alberta Olson

Joan Alberta Olson

Fairfield

Joan Alberta Olson, 85, of Fairfield, was called home to Heaven on Saturday, July 29th, 2023.

Joan was born October 6th, 1937, in rural Richland, Iowa. She was the only child of Albert “Pete” and Helen (Lankford) Baker. Joan grew up on the farm and graduated from Richland High School in 1955. She then attended Parsons College and earned a teaching certificate. Joan married Jack McCreery in 1957 and together they had two daughters, Lisa and Linda. They later divorced and Joan raised “her girls.” They were a most special part of her life.

Joan worked many years for Drs. Peasley and Sheldon at the Vision Clinic in Fairfield. She then worked for ACCO-Babcock and finished her career as an insurance agent at Gamrath Doyle Insurance Agency. She entered retirement early due to a stroke that occurred in 1993. Joan’s stroke never slowed her down, and she continued to live a full, independent life.

Joan will be remembered as a friendly, sweet, caring person. The most important things in Joan’s life were faith and family. Joan cared for both of her parents through the end of their lives. She also enjoyed attending church and never missed an opportunity to brag on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved any time that her family was together. Attending the grandchildren’s activities and watching her great-grandchildren grow brought her much joy.

Joan lived the past several years at Wagon Wheel where she had a great community of friends, including her special friend, Oren Shaffer. Oren and Joan enjoyed many outings that included having a meal together.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents.

Left behind to celebrate her memory are her daughters, Lisa (Greg) Johnson of Ft. Worth, TX, and Linda (Bob) Golden of Douds, IA. Her cherished grandchildren, Trent (Isabelle) Johnson, Haley (Caleb) Holland, Abby (Eli) Lynn and Tyler (Jalayna) Golden. Also, her precious great-grandchildren, Case and Cooper Lynn and Lyla Golden.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday August 3, 2023, at Gould Funeral Home in Richland, with Rev. Michael Elrod and Rev. Jamison Plank officiating. Burial will follow at Richland Friends Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening 6 to 7:30 P.M. also at the funeral home. Memorials to Richland United Methodist Church or Pilgrim Nazarene Church of Mount Pleasant may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 13967 Pedrick Drive, Douds, IA 52551. Gould Funeral Home of Richland is in charge of arrangements.