Joan Mae Cunningham

Joan Mae Cunningham, 86, of Grinnell, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family February 18, 2026, at Windsor Manor in Grinnell.

Joan was born on June 30, 1939, in Waterloo, Iowa to Esther Barbara (Welter) and Ray L Courter of Waterloo. She was an only child and grew up attending Saint Edwards Grade School and West High School.

She received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Iowa. It was in Iowa City that she met the love of her life James D. Cunningham. They were married at St Edwards Catholic Church in Waterloo before settling in Jim's hometown of Grinnell, Iowa to begin their careers and raise their family. They shared 64 years of love, friendship and family life, raising three children- David, Diane and Don. These children were the joy of her life.

Joan was a lifelong educator and taught kindergarten for over 25 years primarily at Bailey Park Elementary in Grinnell.

Joan cherished her time with family and doted on her 10 grandchildren. She loved every moment of her time spent with them -reading with them, teaching them new card games, hearing about their accomplishments, and cheering them on at as many activities as she could possibly attend. She went "all out" for family gatherings and holidays. Her homemade noodles, spiced apples, frozen applesauce and scotcheroos were always greeted with a smile. She was especially proud of her new great granddaughter Julia.

She loved to golf and had fond memories of golfing with the "Golden Girls" as well as many husband and wife outings. She was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan and travelled to each of the original Big Ten conference football stadiums. She was a Chicago Cubs baseball fan, loved spending time at Lake Okoboji, and in later years enjoyed memorable trips to Hawaii, Alaska and Europe. Her devotion to her Catholic faith was the core of her being.

She is survived by her husband Jim of Grinnell, her son David (Francesca) of Grinnell, her daughter Diane (Greg) Johnson of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, her son Don (Sarah) of Sunriver, Oregon, her grandchildren Alli (Chad) Oswalt of Covington, Kentucky, Ben (Shelley) Cunningham of Warren Township, New Jersey, Jake (Val) Johnson of Lodi, Wisconsin, Andy (Olivia) Cunningham of Ankeny, Iowa, Kelli (Mike) Baker of Brookline, Massachusetts, Anna (Anthony) Clayton of Arvada, Colorado, Annie (Aaron) Stephens of Fort Collins, Colorado, Matthew Cunningham of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John Cunningham of Indianapolis, Indiana and Nate Cunningham of Portland, Oregon, and a great granddaughter, Julia Oswalt of Covington, Kentucky.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St Mary Catholic Church in Grinnell, Iowa. Graveside service will be held immediately following at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell, Iowa followed by a luncheon at St Mary Catholic Church fellowship hall.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to St Mary Catholic Church or to Read 2 Lead of Poweshiek County. Cards and condolences may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.