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Joan Helena Frank, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at the age of 88 after a brief illness. Born on December 2, 1936, in Minnesota, Joan was a shining light in the lives of her family and friends.
Joan moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin, from Rosemont, Minnesota, as a freshman in high school, where she would ultimately create a life filled with love and dedication. She married her steadfast partner, Merlin Frank, on April 12, 1958, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, a place that would be central to her life and faith.
Known for her warm heart and unwavering support, Joan was always there for her family, earning the cherished title of “Grandma Joan” from her beloved grandchildren. Her culinary skills were legendary, and her kitchen was often filled with the delightful aromas of her baking, especially her famed bread. Joan possessed a joyous spirit, rarely seen in a bad mood, and she loved to embrace life’s adventures. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling with friends, capturing the beauty of the world around her.
Joan was a tough woman, known for her resilience, even rolled by a bull not once, but twice in her lifetime. She was fiercely devoted to her family, ensuring that her children had clean clothes and sports uniforms, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing and care.
Beyond her family life, Joan was a community leader. She served as a 4-H leader, a Sunday School superintendent, and a Vacation Bible School organizer, touching countless lives in her community. Her dedication extended to her role as the Stanton Town Clerk and included being a caregiver for her mother. At the age of 54, Joan pursued her dream of education by earning an associate’s degree as an Administrative Assistant and went on to work at 3M until her retirement at the age of 71.
Joan is survived by her children, David (Lisa) Frank, Gretchen (Larry) Demulling, Dan (Cathy) Frank, Diane (Dan) Heintz, Bob (Tammy) Frank, and Arlin (Jennifer Moore) Frank; her grandchildren, Emily (Dan) Schimelfenyg, Maddie (Corey) Degner, Meghan Frank, Abby (Tim) Christensen, Hannah (Ben) Omann, Maggie (Cole) Johnston, Michael (Cristy) Heintz, Molly (Clark) Dolch, Anne (Luke) Wittman, and Ellis (Morgyn) Frank; step-grandchildren Blake and Amber; great-grandchildren Aiden Frank, Henry and Lyvia Schimelfenyg, Maura and Freddie Degner, Kendra, Henrik, Ada, Joelle Christensen, Jorgen, Mina, Taylor, Nyla Omann, Preston, Jade, Tia Johnston, Brooklyn and Blake Heintz, Collin Dolch, and Adelaide Wittman; a step-great-granddaughter, Violet; her brother, Jim (Carol) Dittman; and sister-in-law, Geri Frank.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Marion Dittman; her loving husband, Merlin (2007); her grandson, Scott Frank; her brother, Gene (Dianne) Dittman; her infant sister, Marion Dittman; as well as several in-laws and other relatives.
A funeral service was held to honor Joan’s life on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, located at 365 West River Drive in New Richmond. There was visitation on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, also at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, and additional visitation on Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park, WI. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Joan Frank’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in peace.
12 Comments
I will always remember this great lady with a big smile.
Joan Frank was simply the nicest, friendliest, kindest person I have ever known. An incredible life well lived and many lives mine included are way better because we were fortunate to call Joan a dear friend. Your big smile, hearty laugh and kindness to all will be deeply missed! God bless Joan Frank.
Will always remember her great smile.
Sending my love and sympathies to the whole family. She was a sweet soul.
Condolences to the Frank family She was an amazing woman! We would always speak of her working for my dad at Thorp Finance in New Richmond in the early days!!!🥰
Sending sincere condolences to all the Frank Family. Praying for peace and comfort.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family of Joanne.She was the sweetest, kindest and gentlest soul. She will be deeply missed. May you treasure all the great memories and hold them close to your heart and she will be with you always!!
So sorry Dave and Lisa, and the Frank family for your loss.
What a sweet soul she will be missed. Always enjoyed letters she would send me over the years.
My sympathy to all of you.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I pray that the Lord will wrap His arms around you and give you comfort and peace.
Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. We have such fond memories of shared family gatherings. Joan always greeted us with a smile and a hug. She was a caring and kind soul and will be greatly missed.
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