Joan A. Straw
January 17, 1937 ~ August 30, 2025
Joan A. Straw age 88 of New Hampton, IA, died Saturday, August 30, 2025 at her home.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service with Rev. Dan Christiansen presiding.
Joan A. Straw was born January 17, 1937, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Hugh and Mildred (Eernisse) McAllen. She received her education in New Hampton and after graduating with the New Hampton High School class of 1955, Joan didn’t skip a beat and married her high school sweetheart, Merlin “Shorty” Straw, on June 4 of the same year, at the former Williamstown United Methodist Church, just south of New Hampton. Together, they embarked on life’s rollercoaster, raising three daughters—Wendy, Terese, and Lynn.
She began working at the Chickasaw County Treasurer’s office and in 1975, Joan and Shorty took a leap of faith and opened New Hampton Meat Processors, serving up the finest cuts until 1992. But Joan’s dedication to her community didn’t end there; she later joined the Tri-Mark Corporation and later returned to Chickasaw County, with the public health department until retiring in 2009.
Joan’s interests were as diverse as the local wildlife she loved to feed. She and Shorty were the dynamic duo of the open road, often seen zipping around town and socializing with others. Joan’s love for shopping was only matched by her passion for dining out, but spending time with her grandchildren was priceless.
Survivors include two daughters, Terese Straw of New Hampton, Lynn (Roger) Haugen of Fredericksburg; brother, Chad (Rita) Leitch of Cathedral City, CA; sister, Jean (Glen) Huffman of Evansdale, IA; three grandchildren, Jason Goebel, Nick (Halie) Haugen, Mitch (Sabrina) Haugen; four great-grandchildren, Sadie Haugen, Tate Haugen, Collins Haugen, Elliot Haugen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Shorty in 2002; daughter, Wendy Payton in 2016 and son-in-law, Tom Goebel in 2002.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
My sympathy goes out to all the families of Joan. R.I.P. JOAN.
Our sympathy to all of Joan’s family!
Hi Girls!!! She had a good life and she put up a good fight. She will be remembered by many.
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Terese, we always saw your mom and you out for a drive in our neighborhood, almost everyday. We’re still in this neighborhood. Stop by sometime.
Ed and Sandy Shekleton
Thoughts and prayers to Therese and her family.
Terese and Lynn, so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great lady! I remember seeing her a lot back when my grandparents rented the apartment above your mom and dad. You have my deepest sympathy. Hugs and prayers!🙏
Joan was a wonderful neighbor and friend. She will be missed. Sorry for your loss. Peace & Love.
Mine. She was a kind and friendly person
May she rest in peace
Mary Wagner
Joan was such a lovely lady. May she rest in peace.
Our sympathy to Lynn and Teresa. Joan was a kind and gentle woman with a beautiful smile for everyone she met.
Louise and Donn Harris
Sorry to hear this. Condolences to the family.
Dave and I send our sympathy to your family. Your Mom was such a sweet person, I always enjoyed visiting with her in church. Memories will be cherished by all who knew her.
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. I’ve know Joan going as far back as the locker:) Such a hard worker and kind person. It was a privilege to know your family. Hugs
Terese, my condolences on the loss of your mom.
You all have my sympathy. May she Rest in Peace!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Joan’s family. She was always so kind with a great smile. May she rest in peace!
Terese and Lynn – I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I hope your memories comfort you in the days ahead. My deepest sympathy to you.
My sympathy to Joan’s family. Sure do remember when she and “Shorty” had NH Meat Proccessors🙏
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Sorry to hear of Joan’s death!
May she rest in peace!
Terese, Lynn, and family – so sorry to hear of (Cousin) Joan’s passing. Deepest sympathies.
Hugs and prayers to the Straw family.
Terese, Lynn, Jean, and families, I am so sorry at the loss of Joan. May your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort. 🙏❤️
So very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. What a sweet and kind lady. We had so much fun at exercise class. My prayers are with her family.
We will always cherish the beautiful memories of Joan and the times we all spent together. She will be greatly missed but her warmth and kindness will be remembered forever! Our love and deepest sympathy to you all. Don & Donna
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Hold on to the memories to keep her close to your heart.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Joan. Sending our sympathy to all of her family. ❤️
Sending our condolences and prayers to Joan’s family. Jean enjoyed working with Joan at Tri Mark and I enjoyed doing business with Joan over the years.
Teresa and families, Our sincere sympathies for your loss.