Joan Audrey (Reichow) Frantz

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 9:13 am

Joan Audrey Frantz, 91, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Dec. 7, 2023.

She was born Dec. 21, 1931 to Lawrence and Dorothy Reichow in Northfield, Minn. She was raised through high school in Decorah, Iowa and then attended nursing school at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. It was in Iowa City she met the love of her life, her late husband John (Jack) Frantz. They married on August 14, 1954 and they were blessed by God to raise five children who were the joy of their lives. They were also blessed with many lifelong friends as they raised their respective families in the Iowa City area. Joan and Jack enjoyed spending much of their time attending and following their children’s athletic careers as they went through City High and beyond. She enjoyed life through dance club, bridge club, and the PMS Hilltop Gang, but most of all welcoming people into her home to enjoy one of her two favorite beverages, coffee or wine. Many who lived on the east side of Iowa City could see her walking to and from The University of Iowa Hospital where she worked as a nurse, way before walking was cool. Through the coldest days in winter and the hottest days in summer, she would never accept a ride. Her blessings continued as her children found loving partners which gave her nine beautiful grandchildren and two amazing great grand-children. She not only was the mother to her biological children, but to all their friends who would come over and eat her kitchen clean on a regular basis.

She will be missed dearly by her family and community. There will be a celebration of life held on Jan. 14, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Iowa City American Legion Post 17- 3016 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Hospice of Washington County, Iowa Donor Network, or Keep Iowa Beautiful. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home, Washington, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Joan’s family at jonesfh.com.

She is survived by her five children, Mike (Susan) Frantz, Tom (Karin) Frantz, Andy Frantz (Cindy Harrison), Steve Frantz (Jill Bullard Moreno), Mary Sue (Brad) Marek; grandchildren, Alex (Ben) Perkins, Nick (Lacey) Frantz, Stephanie Frantz, Devin Frantz, Sarah Frantz, Grant Marek, Jon Frantz, Wil Marek, Olivia Marek; great-grandchildren, Layla Frantz and Addison Frantz; amongst numerous nieces and nephews and by her two brothers, William (Marcia) Reichow and Jerry (Carolyn) Reichow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, and her parents Larry and Dorothy Reichow and many dear friends who are greeting her in Heaven.

To quote Joan’s favorite character, Winnie the Pooh, “…the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.”

As you walk through the gates of Heaven, “Go Get ‘Em, Mom”.