Joan Adel Oelke
August 7, 1928 ~ February 13, 2025
Born in:
Farmersburg Township, Iowa
Resided in:
New Hampton, Iowa
Joan Adel Oelke age 96 of New Hampton died Thursday, February 13, 2025 at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center.
A private family graveside service at the Farmersburg – Wagner Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton have been entrusted with arrangements.
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.
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Joan was one of those women you never forget, she was such a nice lady. Always enjoyed her as a neighbor and later in life as a friend. My deepest sympathy to all.
Barb Kotz
Our deepest sympathy to Joan’s family. She was our neighbor and we always have fun visits with her. Rest In Peace Dear Joan.
I have very fond memories of Joan when I worked with her at St Joseph hospital. She was always so kind and caring to her patients. Our sympathy to her family
Joan-s family, you have my sincere sympathy in the passing of your mother, Joan. She was a skilled and caring nurse who always met your needs. She would kindly care for anyone.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family Kris. Your mom.was always so pleasant to be around. RIP Joan.
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She was such a caring person. I remember her as my nurse when our son was born. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I loved working with Joanie at the hospital. So kind and loving. May she rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to the family
Jane / Kris, I am sorry for your loss. The Oelkes were great neighbors and friends of our family. Joanie, especially was such a strong and kind lady. John / Cheryl
Our sympathy to Jane and Kris and families. We’ve known Joanie for many years, and she’s always been so sweet and kind. She had such a pretty smile! My sister lives at Kensington and was always so pleased when your Mom gave her one of her pretty crocheted items. She will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to all of Joan’s family. She was my mentor and a cherished friend. Rest comfortably Joan, in Our Lord’s loving arms.
A great human! May she Rest in Peace. You all have my sympathy.
Our sympathy to the family of Joan. A caring and loving person to all who knew her. A long and wonderful life well lived. Rest in peace with our Savior.
Louise and Donn Harris
My deepest sympathy to Joan’s family. She was such a kind person.
My prayers and sympathies to the family. Always enjoyed Joan. She attended me in childbirth. Such a kind and caring person!
My sympathy to Joanie’s family. She was a wonderful, caring nurse.
My sympathy to Joan’s family. I got acquainted with Joan in 1990 when we moved to New Hampton. A coffee group met every morning and I was invited. Joan was at coffee and I always enjoyed sitting with her just to visit about family and what her family was involved in. I so enjoyed this group because it was not a group who gossiped. Joan was such a wonderful person who always made me feel welcomed. Her cards for birthdays and our anniversaries was special to me. Thank you Joan for all the fun times I had by sitting next to you.. You have been missed, and fond memories will remain with me. Sandy
On behalf of the NHHS Class of 1969, our heartfelt condolences to Jane, Kris, Clark and their families.
Heaven truly gained a special angel. Joanie was certainly a wonderful nurse and it seemed to be well fit profession for her to work in. Always so kind and thoughtful of her patients as well as everyone else as well. My sympathies to your families at this most difficult time.
Jane, Kris and Clark
I worked with your mother at the hospital in New Hampton. I worked nights and would see that warm friendly smile a lot of mornings. God bless her and all her family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Joan’s family. She was our neighbor for many years. Watched our boys grow up. They removed snow & mowed her lawn until they went off to college. Many visits over the years. Thankful we also had the pleasure of knowing Carroll. They were the nicest people.
Joan and Carroll were two of the nicest people to ever live in NH. Think of them every Christmas when we get out the wood ornaments we received as a shower gift.
Sending our heartfelt sympathy to Kris, Jane and their families. Joan was a beautiful person inside and out. Her welcoming smile and visits always warmed our hearts. She will be dearly missed. Sending kind thoughts and prayers to Joan’s family.
My condolences to you and your families Kris and Jane! Joan has held a special place in my heart
for so many years as I think back to the days of growing up in NH. I am also glad that I have reconnected with you ladies. I appreciated the updates I could get from Messenger the past couple years. Your mom was so special and I treasure the time we were neighbors growing up. Our mom and dad loved your parents and I know treasured their times with you also.
May you smile as you remember your sweet mom and grieve her loss. Blessing to you!
Sandra & Debra Rose.
Now Sandra Lichty & Debra Rose. 💔
Joan and Carroll were our backyard neighbors when we were kids growing up on South Water. Then Dad moved over to Locust Avenue and lived right next door to them. What a special couple and always friendly and making sure everyone was o.k.! May Joan now rest in the peace of Christ along with Carroll.
Joan was a pleasant lady to chat with. I’ll always remember her beautiful smile. Sympathy to her family.
Linda Burgart
Both Carroll and Joan have a special place in my heart. I have fond memories from houseboating days on the Mississippi. Joan was a very kind compassionate nurse, who when I started working at New Hampton as a new grad, well I always looked up to her. She always had an encouraging word and smile. Sorry for your loss