[Barbara] Joan Wiswall, 76 years young, died at her home Wednesday morning, March 23, 2011 surrounded by loved ones following her battle with cancer. She was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on May 11, 1934 to Pleyel and Viola (Newport) Ross. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jack. Joan is survived by children, Diane Narr and Mark Wiswall; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeremy) Anderson and Rick (Kristin) Narr; and great-grandchildren, Rylie, Carter, Paige and Gage.
Joan's passion was helping children with special education needs. She received her teaching degree from the University of Minnesota in 1976 and then returned to obtain her Master's degree in 1980. She taught in the New Prague MN School District and continued tutoring even after retiring. Joan helped many children over the years and her efforts were recognized when she won the Minnesota Special Education Teacher of the Year award in 1983 and then the National Special Education Teacher of the Year award the following year.
Plants flourished under Joan's care – from her vegetable garden to her cutting garden, her award winning dahlias to her beautiful house plants. She was a talented seamstress and quilter, and loved tracking and recording family history. Joan was a pillar of her church community and enjoyed her Gardening Club and Card Club, and served as a Stephen Minister.
Joan and Jack loved to travel and fish. Joan was Jack's favorite photographic model and he captured her beauty for all the 52 years they were together.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Congregational Church in Amery, WI. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 4 to 7 pm at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, as well as for an hour prior to the service at the church. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 28, 2011 at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin, MO.