Joan Louise Dickey, age 83, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. She was born July 10, 1937 to Perlee and Dollye (Boosinger) Dickey in Black River Falls, WI.
Joan graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1955. She worked in the restaurant industry for many years. Two of her favorite employers were the “Left Guard” in Eau Claire, owned by several Green Bay Packers players, and Grandma Smrekar’s in Millston.
In later years, Joan was employed by the Boys and Girls Club in Black River Falls. She also worked at BRF Surplus up until her retirement in 2017. Joan was known as a very hard worker all her life. Even at the age of 83, her children could not get her to slow down.
On of Joan’s proudest achievements was graduating from Clown School in Iowa. She participated in many parades and events as “Brambles” the clown in Emmett Kelly fashion.
Joan is survived by her children, Gail (Alan) Whitegull, Kevin Gilbertson, Dulcene (John) During, Paul (Kris) Gilbertson and Gunder Gilbertson; grandchildren, Jon Paul Gilbertson, Ashley Gilbertson, Nathaniel Beaman, Jessica Bush, Kevin Gilbertson Jr., Nicklaus Gilbertson, Hannah Gilbertson, Michelle Bengtson, Katie Olson, Tess Puttbrese, Matthew Puttbrese, Michael Gilbertson, Shane Gilbertson, Shannon Gilbertson, Joshua Gilbertson, Keelan Gilbertson; and 29 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David and Richard “Bill” Dickey; two sons, Jon and Todd Gilbertson and an infant son.
A celebration of life, “Christmas in July” will be held in July 2021 at the Dickey Homestead in Black River Falls. Further details will be announced at a later time.
The Torgerson’s Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family, 715-284-4321.
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