Joan M. Dawley, 85
Winnebago – Joan Mae Dawley, age 85, of Winnebago, passed away on Jan. 1, 2023, at Parker Oaks Senior Living in Winnebago after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joan was born May 1, 1937, to John and Blanche (Andreason) Pollei in Mankato. Joan graduated high school in May 1955 from Garden City High School and later went on to receive a certificate in computer technology from South Central College in North Mankato. She married the love of her life, Frank V. Dawley, on June 25, 1955. Together they raised five children on a small hobby farm in Garden City.
Joan did all the bookkeeping and running errands for the family business, Dawley’s Garage, which operated for 30 years. In addition, Joan was employed by Happy Chef in Mankato, Young America Corporation, H & R Block, Home Testing Institute and was self-employed as a cake baker and decorator. She kept busy with gardening, canning, freezing, baking, cooking, sewing and crochet. She was highly active in the Kato Cycle Club where she was a life member.
Joan had macular degeneration which eventually lead to blindness. There were several programs and services in place that made it possible for her to independently remain in her home until she entered hospice.
She is survived by four of her children, Peggy Dawley, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Charles (Judy) Dawley, of Stewartville, Gary (Cheryl) Dawley, of Nekossa, Wisconsin and Carol Dawley, of Nicollet; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild.
She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Jack and Donald; daughter, Linda (Paul) Folmar, of Tallahassee, Florida; and an infant grandson, Michael White, Jr.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Jan. 27, at North Mankato Mortuary Northview, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral. Lunch will be served following the funeral service. Interment will be at Garden City Cemetery after the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family, Interfaith Caregivers of Blue Earth, United Hospital District Home Health and Hospice of Blue Earth, American Cancer Society, or American Diabetes Association.