Joan Elizabeth McDonald Blocker,88, of Dubuque, died at Bethany Home on Friday, October 11, 2024.

A mass will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. A luncheon will follow the mass at Moracco Supper Club.

Given the many people she touched in her life, we have decided to hold a Celebration of Life in May 2025 (the exact date to be announced). This will be a special occasion for all her friends and relatives to come together and honor her memory.

Joan was born to Paddy and Ruth McDonald on April 17, 1936, in Darlington, WI.  She married Robert “R.J.” Blocker in 1960 and had two daughters. Joan is survived by R.J. and her daughters Judy (Dan) Byron of Crested Butte, CO, and Jody (Kirk) Partridge of Park City, UT. Joan also had five amazing grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Joan is preceded in death by her sister, Jean (McDonald)Furlong, and brother, James McDonald.

Joan worked at John Deere Dubuque Works and later enjoyed a long and successful career with the Dubuque County Courts. Joan enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, bowling, softball, painting, camping, drag racing, playing guitar, publishing the Snomad Ski Club newsletters, and organizing Snomad Ski Club ski trips.  Joan also loved all animals, but especially her dogs. She had a beautiful smile, particularly when driving her red 1966 convertible Mustang hot rod. Joan was very involved with Alcoholics Anonymous, helping many who would later become long-time friends.