Joan Edna Block, 80 of Oak Park Place Independent Living of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Joan was born daughter of John and Evelyn (Peggy) Maulson of Dubuque on March 20, 1946. Joan married the love of her life Gordon Block during an elopement ceremony on July 17, 1964, in Bellevue, IA. This union brought 2 daughters Laura (Jon) Kramer of Queen Creek, AZ and Amy (Joe) Clasen of Asbury, IA.

Joan started her clerical career at AY McDonald Mfg. in Dubuque and worked various other clerical and professional jobs as well as being a homemaker. Joan was one of the first promoters of Amana’s Radar Range. Gordon and Joan moved around the mid-west as Gordon advanced his career which ultimately brought them back to their hometown of Dubuque.

Joan’s heart of gold brought many foster children into their lives as they opened their home to children needing a place to call home whether it be for a night or an extended stay.  Joan didn’t have many hobbies other than taking care of her children and her flowers and garden, but when Days Of Our Lives came on you could always find her stepping away from what she was doing to enjoy her daytime soap break. Joan was a simple person that enjoyed the small things in life. If you see a special rock pick it up, admire it and possibly put it in your pocket to admire later. Joan was a selfless woman, giving more than ever wanting.

Joan was one to worry about others and never wanted the attention drawn to herself. She loved going shopping although she rarely came home with anything. As she would say, “I don’t need anything, I just want to look”.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Gordon in 2021 as well as her parents and brother Greg Maulson and her special cat Fluffy of 18 years.

Joan is survived by both daughters and sons-in-law, 2 grandchildren Ben (Analise Cavner-Kramer) Kramer of New Orleans, LA and Morgan (Dalis) Smith of Gilbert, AZ and sisters-in-law Paula Bunch, Ann Herr and Carol Small as well as her “Damn Cat” Zoey of which she would never admit she liked and didn’t want another cat, but she definitely loved having around.

Memorials for Joan may be given to the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

The family would like to thank the incredible neighbors and staff at Oak Park Place for being a home after Gordon passed.  Special thanks to Laura, Beth, Candice and Suzanne. Suzanne you were more than just her Director of Transportation, you were her Director of all things lost! She loved living at OPP and rarely missed a chance to go down for ice cream in the parlor for her favorite Mint Chocolate Chip.

According to her wishes no formal services will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.