Joan Adel Matt Oelke

Joan Adel Matt Oelke, age 96, died peacefully February 13, 2025. Joan resided at Kinsington Place Assisted Living in New Hampton, IA.

Joan was born Aug. 7,1928 to Will and Emilie (Mueller) Matt on the home farm in National, Farmersburg Township in Clayton County, Iowa. She was the youngest of four sisters. Joan was baptized at home by Rev. Bunge in Sept 1928 and confirmed June 27,1943 by Rev.Harold Adix at St. John’s Lutheran church in Farmersburg. She attended grade school at the Pioneer country school until the age of 10. The family then moved to Farmersburg. She graduated from High School in Farmersburg where she played 6-on-six basketball. Joan attended one year at Wartburg College, where she also sang in the Wartburg choir, then took nurse’s training at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines obtaining her B.S. Degree in Nursing.

On April 30, 1950 she was married to Carroll Edward Oelke, Jr. at St. John’s Lutheran church in Farmersburg by Rev. Steege. Joan and Carroll moved and lived in New Hampton their entire married life. Two daughters were born to this union, Jane and Kristine.

Joan worked at the hospital in New Hampton for 34 years in the Obstetrical Department. She was very active in her church where she worked on the Altar guild over 35 years, served on the women’s board many years and sang in the choir. She enjoyed quilting, her church circle, reading and crafts. She worked with the Red Cross many years.

Joan is mourned by her daughters Jane Faust of Palm Desert, CA. and Kris (Clark) Wikner of McGregor, IA. Grandchildren Joe (Beth) Faust, Kelly (Mike) Sovar, Kasey (Arka) Roy, Dan Wikner, Neal (Stephanie) Wikner, Ben Wikner. Eight great grandchildren Kathyrn and Connor Faust, Avery and James Sovar, Aiden and Aayana Roy, Emeilia and Tyce Wikner, and Edward and William Wikner.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carroll Oelke April 22,2003, her parents, one grandson Brad Wikner June 23,1992, a brother Raymond in infancy and her sisters Ruth Huebsch, Grace Burrack, and Doris Burrack.

Joan will be buried at the Farmersburg/Wagner cemetery with a private family gathering.