Joan Joyce Amundson

Joan Joyce Amundson, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Join the family for a memorial service on July 13, 2026,  at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi Street in Dubuque. 

Joan was born on April 25, 1933, in Durant, Wisconsin, to John and Marjorie Skogstad. She attended school through eighth grade in Eleva, Wisconsin, and graduated from Central High School, where she played the clarinet in the band and participated in Library Club.

After high school, Joan attended vocational school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where she studied business. Upon graduation, she began her career at Gamble Robinson and later worked for National Presto Industries. In her mid-twenties, Joan moved to Minneapolis, where she worked for a power and light company and enjoyed an active social life with dear friends. She loved ice skating, bowling, dancing, and dining out.

One evening while having dinner in Excelsior, Minnesota, Joan experienced a chance meeting with the man who would become the love of her life, Ronald “Ron” Amundson. After a year of courtship, they were married on August 4, 1962, in Eleva, Wisconsin.

Together, Joan and Ron built a beautiful life centered on family. As Ron’s career as a traveling salesman took them throughout the Midwest, they lived in Eau Claire, Wausau, and Appleton, Wisconsin, and Waterloo, Iowa before settling in Dubuque, where they made their home for 62 years.

Joan devoted many years to raising their four children, a role that brought her tremendous joy and fulfillment. Being a mother was one of her greatest blessings, and her family was always the center of her world.

Later, Joan began her final and longest career at Hillcrest Apartments, where she served as Budget Director and Bookkeeper for 38 years. She was known not only for her exceptional skill with numbers but also for the care she showed to others, organizing special events and helping create a sense of community among residents.

Joan found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing euchre and bridge, especially when she won the coveted two-dollar prize. She enjoyed knitting and was known for the kitchen washcloths she lovingly made. Joan and Ron spent many years cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and attending two Rose Bowl games. Friday nights were often spent sharing dinner with friends, and quiet evenings were reserved for her favorite Hallmark movies. Joan also loved to bake and was always eager to try new recipes. She was especially known for her Christmas cookies, which became a cherished family tradition enjoyed by family and friends.

Those who knew Joan will remember her as an incredible woman. She was kind, caring, thoughtful, humble, and selfless. Her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and dedication to family touched countless lives. More than anything, Joan loved her family, and the memories she created with them will be cherished forever.

Her faith in God was a guiding force throughout her life, and she was a devoted member of her church community. Joan loved the Lord deeply and shared that faith with others through her years of teaching Sunday school, touching the lives of many children with her kindness.

Joan is survived by her four children; Ronald Amundson (Mary Fury) of Dubuque; Laurie Paulsen of Dubuque ; Kristin (John) Foley of Bettendorf, Iowa; and Jill (Jason) McMurray of Franklin, Tennessee. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Cameron and Carter Amundson; Bailey, Mackenzie, Sydney and Peyton Paulsen; Madison, Sam, Lucy, and Will Foley; Jack, Ben, and Gus McMurray; Suzie Petronzi of Las Vegas, Nevada. She also leaves behind extended family and many dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald “Ron” Amundson and her parents John and Marjorie Skogstad. 

The family finds comfort in knowing that Joan and Ron are together again, reunited in Heaven after a lifetime of love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that acts of kindness be performed in Joan’s memory, reflecting the generosity, compassion, and love she shared throughout her life.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at Hawkeye Care Center, where Joan received such wonderful care and compassion. They are also deeply grateful to the dedicated team at Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care, comfort, and support during Joan’s final days. 

Memorial donations in memory of Joan may be made to Hospice of Dubuque and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The family would also like to thank Jason Schumacher from Tri-State Cremation Center for being so accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.

“Her greatest joy was her family and her greatest gift was making everyone feel loved.”