Joan Speers

Joan E. Speers, age 84, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Born in Ashland on December 8, 1938, Joan spent her early childhood in Park Falls, until her family relocated to Athens in 1946. Joan married Gilbert Speers on April 27,1963. They lived in the Minneapolis area and settled in Robbinsdale, Minn., where Joan remained until her passing.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Isabelle and Ernest Sollberger, and her loving husband, Gilbert Speers. Joan is survived by her son, Brian Guessford (wife, Janet) from New Jersey. It was Joan’s greatest joy to reconnect with her son. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and her caregiver, Jacques Block.

Joan’s favorite pastime was to travel. Joan and Gilbert traveled to all 50 states and overseas many times. Joan also had many adventures with her bus tour friends. She enjoyed connecting with friends and family while she travelled. Joan was into genealogy and spent many hours documenting her family genealogy. She loved music and antiquing, she was an avid antiques collector with a passion for anything related to Norman Rockwell.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. - 12 noon, followed by a funeral service held at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Athens on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Rev. Joseph Bathke will preside. The committal will be at Calvary Cemetery in Athens for both Joan and Gilbert Speers directly after the service, with military honors for Gilbert conducted by the Athens Area Veterans.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Paid obituary 142372