Joan Melvene Frieling, age 77, of Fort Atkinson, died in her home on January 21, 2025, due to complications from dementia and CLL.

She was born on June 29, 1947, in Clarion, Iowa, to Ted and Louise Patterson. She grew up on a farm with seven older brothers in Wright County and Butler County Iowa. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1965 and was active in cheerleading, band, Pep Club, Future Homemakers of America, and Student Council, and she was a class officer and a Homecoming Queen. Joan married her high school sweetheart, Gary, on September 10, 1965. As a young wife and mother, she trusted Christ as her personal Savior and loved to read and study her Bible. She delighted in her homemaking role and loved caring for her husband and family. Her hobbies included sewing, crafts, baking, and gardening. She had a passion for making personalized cards for family members to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Atkinson.

Joan is survived by her husband of 59 years Gary Frieling, daughters Tammy Stille (Brian) of Black Creek, Wisconsin; Cindy Estell (Scott) of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Marcia Carlson (Ron) of Appleton, Wisconsin; grandchildren Elizabeth, Isaac, Emily, Zack, John (Taylor), Jim (Abbie), Katie, Mike, Luke, Jake, and Rebekah Stille; Nate, Josh (Susanna), Caleb, Ben, and Bethany Estell; and great grandson Landon Estell; brothers Lee (Sally) of Clarksville, Iowa and John Patterson of Waterloo, Iowa.

 Preceded in death by her parents Ted and Louise Patterson; infant son Jonathon Gary Frieling; two infant grandchildren; and siblings Mildred, Don, Dean, Clint, Harlan, and Jerry Patterson.

Visitation will take place at 10 am on Friday, January 24, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Fort Atkinson (420 Whitewater Ave). The funeral service will begin at 11 am at the church followed by a graveside service at Ebenezer Moravian Cemetery in Watertown. Funeral arrangements by Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Johnson Creek Cancer Center and the hospice nurses at Rainbow Community Care. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County