Joan M. Willey

ARFSTEN, HANKEN, ISHAM, NORDMAN, WILLEY

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 3/21/2025 at 17:02:59

Joan M. Willey, 97, of Independence, IA, died on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, IA.

Joan Marie Hanken was born on February 19, 1928, in Oelwein, IA, to Dick and Juanita Hanken. She graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1946. Her most cherished stories over the years were of growing up in Oelwein.

On June 6, 1948, she married the love of her life, Roger Willey. They made their home in Independence, IA, where they raised two daughters. For several years Joan worked at Willey’s Bookstore in Independence. She soon stopped working, focused on caring for her family. She loved her role as a wife, mother, and traditional homemaker. No one could do a better job when it came to entertaining and cooking. Later Joan started volunteering with the Red Cross in Buchanan County and eventually organized and ran countless blood drives throughout the county.

Joan was a longtime member of the Wapsipinicon Golf Club in Independence. She always cherished the many years of fun with friends there. Joan was active in the community and was a member of the Ladies Literary Society, and the Buchanan County Hospital Auxiliary.

She enjoyed caring for her yard and beloved home. She loved the squirrels and birds in her yard and was known for feeding the squirrels peanut butter sandwiches by hand. The fattest and happiest squirrels lived in her part of town.

She is survived by her daughters: Jane Arfsten, Franklin, WI, and Lynn (Bill) Isham, Independence, IA, three grandchildren; Jon (Erica) Arfsten and Dan Arfsten, and Ali Isham, two great grandchildren; Sofia and Dylan Arfsten.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Juanita Hanken, her husband, Roger Willey in 2012, a son-in-law, Lon Arfsten in 2024, and a sister Dorothy Nordman.

The family would like to thank ABCM Rehabilitation Center of Independence, IA for becoming her family during her eight and a half years of living there. They took over caring for her when we no longer could. We also thank Cedar Valley Hospice for guiding us through this final journey.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday March 7th, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Wilson Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Cedar Valley Hospice, 801 1st St E, Independence, IA 50644.