Joan Dow, our beloved mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 16, 2024, after a long courageous battle with chronic health conditions. She was 91 and the devoted wife of Richard Sr.
Along with her husband Richard (Dick) Dow, Joan is survived by her sister Shirley Hinkley, and children; Rick (Nancy) Dow, Randy (Ann) Dow, Christina (Chris) Kubicek, Craig Dow and former spouse Terri Dow. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren; Nicholas (Rosie) Dow, Bryan (Megan) Dow, Brennan (Holly) Dow, Drew (Sierra) Dow, Alex (Elise) Kubicek, Brittany (Kevin) Knuteson, Sarah (Jake) Hirsbrunner, Allison (James) Rickman, Crystal (Chris) Lafferty, Drew (Maigen) Berg and Maddison (Robert) Madrigal. Joan has 23 great-grandchildren.
Joan was a talented tennis player and musician. Her love of tennis was evident as she competed in and won several senior tennis tournaments as well as having her own tennis store for many years, Joan’s Court. Just as important to her was music, with a particular fondness for playing the piano and singing in the church choir. Joan was also a business entrepreneur and was active in a multitude of civic organizations. She relished the opportunity to help others as a member of the Racine Theatre Guild, a docent at Ten Chimneys (Waukesha), and a member of the Wisconsin State Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood. A woman of purpose and intention, Joan earned several college degrees including elementary education, music, and in her later years, a master’s degree in Spanish literature. Also being a member of the Lake Beulah Yacht Club, an “In Remembrance of” was written for her on their website. Please see the NEWS section at www.lbyc.us.
Joan met the love of her life, Dick in high school and they married on June 25th, 1955. Although there was an abundance of love, they didn’t have much money. Mom would describe those early days by saying “We didn’t have two nickels to rub together, a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of!” Many blessings came with the years that passed by, and they were able to travel extensively all over the world enjoying many adventures together. Mom and Dad recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Perhaps the most endearing thing about Joan was the love she had for her family. One cherished family memory is the wonderful trip mom took with all her daughters-in-law and granddaughters to New York City to explore the sights and enjoy lots of Broadway Shows. Mom, we will miss your grace, love, and support through every adversity as well as every joyful celebration. We love you, Mom.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents Florence and Raymond Parkinson and Brother-in-Law William (Bill) Hinkley.
Joan’s funeral will be Saturday July 27th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mukwonago (410 W. Veterans Way). Visitation will be at 11AM with a service to follow at Noon. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joan to any of the following:
The Lakeland Animal Shelter, Delavan lakelandanimalshelter.org
P.E.O. peointernational.org
Racine Theatre Guild racinetheatre.org
