Dorothy "Joan" Fricke

Dorothy “Joan” Fricke, 87, of Marshalltown, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Funeral services for Joan will take place on Saturday, February 12 at 1:30 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Reverend Kim Wilson officiating. She will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are also invited to attend a visitation one hour prior beginning at 12:30 P.M. For those unable to attend, services will be available to view on the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Born Dorothy Joan Hoffman on July 29, 1934 in Chatom, Alabama, she was the daughter of Henry and Mary Azalene (Dykes) Hoffman. While attending high school in Chatom, she met a handsome soldier, William “Bill” Fricke. On graduation day, May 24, 1953, they were united in marriage and relocated to Marshalltown, Iowa shortly after. Together they farmed and raised their six children, calling Marshalltown home. She was actively involved with all of her children’s activities as they were growing up. Joan was a hardworking mother and farm-wife. She also dedicated over 30 years working at Marshall County Abstract. After Bill’s passing in 2012, Joan relocated to Tibbe, Alabama, where she attended Tibbe Baptist Church. She moved back to Marshalltown in 2018. In her free time, she enjoyed thrifting, watching the birds and squirrels, soap operas and gardening. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her dogs, TJ and Tanner. Joan was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for her homemade pie crusts. Fondly remembered as feisty, loving and caring, she will be deeply missed by all those who loved her. Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Larry (Gayle) Fricke of Clemons, Steve (Rosie) Fricke of Marshalltown, Pam Fricke of Marshalltown, Cindy (Pete) Grillas of Alabama and John (Michelle) Fricke of State Center; her grandchildren: Scott, Kim, Julie, Justin, Sean, Matt, Nick, Amy, Jordan, Joanna, Kristina, Amber, Sierra, Cole and Madison; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; special niece, Jeanice Young and many other nieces and nephews. Joan is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; her son, Billy Fricke; grandchildren: Jason Rice, Chrissy Rosenbalm and William Fricke; her parents, Henry and Mary Hoffman; brothers: Will, Clyde, Otis, John and Leon Hoffman and her sisters: Mary Lewis, Gert Williamson, Fannie Mae Parker, Elouise Faulkner, Susie Mae Durden and Annie Mae Hoffman.