Joan Helen Fox (94), passed away peacefully at her home February 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 21, 1929 in Black River Falls to Henry “Hank” Haugen and Lillie “Lil” (Gilbertson) Haugen. She lived most of her life in Black River Falls to be close to her family.
After finishing school in Black River Falls she married Warren Frei and they welcomed two beautiful children, Linda and Lonnie. They later divorced. Not long after, she met William Fox and they were married. They became parents to four rambunctious children; Joni, Jim, Jay and mama’s baby Jon. Sadly, they divorced.
Joan was employed by the Black River Falls School District as a bus driver. After he morning route she would go to Hardee’s and meet up with the other bus drivers to visit and have coffee. She loved driving school bus and loved the kids, but after 24 years she decided she needed a change. She then moved on to the bingo hall to seek employment. She loved selling cards, dobbers, and getting everyone set up to play bingo. After 15 years she retired, but would return to the bingo hall to play with friends and family.
Joan loved traveling in her motorhome with family and going on trips to Wyoming, Texas, Florida and New York. She loved sewing, knitting, and making crafts for her family and friends. She would spend hours in fabric and craft stores looking at material for her next projects.
Joan loved many things in life but one of her favorites were garage sales. She loved finding treasures and knickknacks to add to her collections. Gadgets and technology were one of Mom’s favorite hobbies. She stood in line for hours to purchase one of the first iPads at the Apple Store in Eau Claire. As she was leaving the store, a reporter from the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram asked if they could take a picture of her. She was thrilled and famous. Last but not least, she loved watching her Green Bay Packers. She wore her favorite Packer sweatshirt and cheered for them loudly!
Joan had 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Joan is survived by her sister Sally and her nephew Scott Helbling; her children Linda Frei, Lonnie (Liz) Frei, Joni Zeiler, Jim (Shelley) Fox, Jay (Mary) Fox, and Jon (Shelly) Fox; her grandchildren Lindsey (Mike) Smiley, Greg (Mary) Frei, Sara Parker (Brian Washington), Abby Parker, Kortney Parker, Cory (Jamie) Fox, Chastidy (Brandon) Cockrum, Jason (Kelsey) Fox, William (Angel) Fox, Ben Fox, Samantha Fox, Breanna McConnell, and Trenton Brown.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchildren. Joan is further survived by her loving, devoted fur babies: the dogs Paco, Aggie, Irma, Luna; the cats Reggie and Felix. The dogs would always check on Mom every morning and Reggie would curl up at the bottom of her bed. They will miss her so much.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law Bruce Helbling; and the light of her life, her grandson, her miracle, Sean Eric Fox. We can just imagine Sean welcoming Gramma into Heaven with a big hug and that smile we all knew so well.
Mom loved her family with all of her heart and soul. Many friends of hers as well as friends of her children became family and she adored each and every one of them.
An open house celebration of Joan’s life will be held on June 22, 2024 from 2-6pm at her home, N6905 County Road F, Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Please bring photos and memories to share with her family.
Torgerson’s Funeral Service of Black River Falls is assisting the family, 715-284-4321.
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