Joan Schiltz, 92, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:45 am on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Joan was born November 14, 1933, in Oelwein, IA, the daughter of Clarence E. and Alice E. (Heid) Russell. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Oelwein. Joan was united in marriage to Eric Fraehlich, he later preceded her in death. She then married her second husband, James Friedman, who later preceded her in death. Most recently, she was married to L. Edward Schiltz who also preceded her in death.

She worked as a manager at AT&T for 20 years until her retirement. Although retired, she later worked in banking and insurance.

Joan was a true caregiver in both her heart and her actions. Throughout her life, she lovingly cared for many people, including her parents while her father endured Alzheimer’s disease for many years, her second husband, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after their marriage, and her husband, L. Edward while he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Joan’s compassion also extended beyond her family. She sponsored two boys, one from Lebanon and another from Guatemala, with whom she exchanged heartfelt letters over the years.

She had a deep enthusiasm for politics and was actively involved in several political campaigns and causes. Joan was honored when chosen to greet former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney. She was also a devoted member of the Power of Prayer group and Dubuque County Right to Life.

In her free time, Joan loved to travel and proudly visited 49 of the 50 states. She was also a talented seamstress who created beautiful items for her home, including curtains, clothing, and tablecloths.

Above all, Joan treasured time spent with her granddaughters, who brought her immense joy.

Joan had an artistic sensitivity, playful sense of humor, and tremendous fortitude. She will be dearly missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Those left to honor her memory include her two children, David Fraehlich of Asbury and Jeanne (Ned) Lloyd of Chicago, IL; two granddaughters, Dr. Alison Fraehlich of Davenport, IA and Natalie Fraehlich of Cedar Rapids, IA; several nieces and nephews including Clark Russell and Becky Zolczynski, as well as many other extended family and friends.

Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Diane Fraehlich, one brother, Edwin Russell, and a first cousin that she considered a sister, Bernita Auer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Joan’s name to Cozy Corner Adult Day Services.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all who cared for Joan, including Dr. Christopher Stille, Dr. Michael Peroski, Emily Haverland ARNP, the nurses and staff at Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque, Cozy Corner Adult Day Services, No Place Like Home, Briggs Family Dentistry, and Father Rosonke and the entire St. Anthony Catholic Church family.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Joan’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.