Joan R. Grandgenett

In lieu of flowers memorial's can be made in Joan's name to the Kossuth County Cancer Foundation, 1921 E. Elm St., Algona, Iowa 50511.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley.
Joan Ruth Grandgenett was born to Joseph and Marjorie (Sparks) Goetz on January 11th, 1933, on a farm north of Wesley, Iowa. She graduated from Wesley High School in Wesley in 1950. After her schooling, she was employed at the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Algona, Iowa. Joan was married to Larry Grandgenett on June 22, 1954, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. The couple lived north of Wesley until moving into town in December of 1979.
Joan spent countless hours as a cook at Hillside in Wesley, Iowa, where she gained a loyal following as customers often asked if she was in the kitchen before placing their orders. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, proudly served in the American Legion Auxiliary and an active member in the community that she loved dearly.
One of Joan's favorite pastimes was playing cards as she enjoyed the conversation that came with sitting around a card table. She had a passion for baking and was known for always having cookies ready to share with anyone who stopped by. Joan was a talented seamstress and crocheter, creating exquisite quilts, blankets, towels, pillowcases, and much more. She poured her heart into each piece, taking great pride and joy in the beautiful works she crafted over the years.
Her greatest joy in life, however, was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted grandma who never missed an event, showered them with love, handmade gifts and special treats. They were the light of her life, and she was so proud.
After Larry's passing in December 2006, Joan found companionship years later with a special friend, Harry Eischen until his death in January 2024. They shared many cherished years together playing cards and taking strolls around town.
Joan died peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa at the age of 91.
She is survived by five children, Dan (Judy) Grandgenett of Corwith, IA, Ron (Holly) Grandgenett of Orlando, FL, Tom (Caren) Grandgenett of Merriam, KS, Alan (Sally) Grandgenett of Wahoo, NE and Diane (Bruce) Suntken of Kearney, NE; her son-in-law, Jerry Reding of Wesley, IA; sister, Norma Biegger of Polk City, IA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Amy (Caleb) Fox, Sarah Grandgenett, Luke Grandgenett, Abbey (Zach) Huber, Ben (Abby) Grandgenett, Samantha (Grant) Plybon, Kayla (Ben) Schumacher, Cindy (Kyle) Shimp, David (Kristen) Reding, Mikki Suntken, and Timothy Suntken; as well as 16 beloved great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her daughter, Marla Reding; daughter-in-law, Lori Grandgenett; her grandson, Joe Grandgenett; her parents, Joseph and Marjorie; and four siblings, Bill Goetz, Lois Weiland, Marlys Kelly, and Carol Youngwirth.