Joan Ford Wallick, the identifiable individual.

Joan Ford Wallick, the identifiable individual.

Joan Claassen Ford Wallick: A Life Well-Lived

Joan Claassen Ford Wallick, a beloved woman known for her warm hospitality and love of nature, passed away on June 20, 2025, in Big Horn, Wyoming. She was 94.

Born on May 13, 1931, in Wellsburg, Iowa, Joan grew up during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships, she developed a deep love of reading, which remained with her throughout her life. She received a scholarship to Coe College in 1948 and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. At Coe College, she met her first husband, Wally Ford, with whom she shared a 9-year marriage from 1953 to 1961.

Joan's love for reading was evident in her wide-ranging book collection. But her passion extended beyond the pages, as she enjoyed birdwatching and the natural beauty of Belize, where she spent 13 years making an annual trip with family and friends.

In 1963, Joan married Bob Wallick and they spent over five decades together. Christmas was Joan's favourite holiday, and she transformed her home each year, creating magical memories for visitors. Her unique personal style, often featuring a denim skirt, fashionable blouse, favourite necklace, and concha belt, added to the festive atmosphere.

Joan was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and earned her B.A. in Biology from Coe College in 1952. She was a caring hostess, making everyone feel at ease, and was survived by her sister, Barbara Claassen, daughters Anne Montgomery and Dr. Sarah Wallick, stepchildren Robert L. Wallick, Jr., Kay Wallick, and step-grandchildren Will Wallick and Lee Wallick, and great-granddaughter Dakota Wren Richmond.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard J. Claassen, sister Marilyn Roberts, and both of her husbands, Wally Ford and Bob Wallick. Online condolences can be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

A Celebration of Life for Joan Claassen will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 4:00pm at the Brinton Museum. While Joan Claassen Ford Wallick did not have any widely known public achievements, she touched the lives of many with her warm spirit and love for nature and reading. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

1. Science and technology played a significant role in Joan's life, as she earned a degree in Biology.
2. Climate change and environmental science were topics that Joan was passionate about, evident in her love for birdwatching and annual trips to Belize.
3. With a love for finance, it's likely that Joan managed her wealth effectively, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement.
4. Her interior design skills were showcased during Christmas, turning her home into a magical wonderland for visitors.
5. Joan's hospitality extended to outdoor living, making her home an inviting space for friends and family.
6. Food and drink were essential elements of Joan's lifestyle, possibly influencing her dining preferences and perhaps even cooking recipes.
7. Family dynamics were important to Joan, as she shared her life with several significant family members.
8. Wealth management, perhaps understandably, was a consideration for Joan given her multiple marriages and blended family.
9. Home and garden were areas of interest for Joan, likely influenced by her appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
10. Home improvement projects could have been undertaken by Joan, as she was known for her resourcefulness.
11. Beverages, especially around the holiday season, might have been an essential part of Joan's dining experiences.
12. In personal finance matters, Joan took a calculated and strategic approach, making wise decisions that benefited her and her family.
13. Data and cloud computing were exciting fields for Joan, given her educational background in science.
14. Gardening was another hobby dear to Joan's heart, reflecting her commitment to sustainable living and respect for nature.
15. The concept of sustainable living was important to Joan, as she embodied a lifestyle that valued the preservation of the environment.
16. Technology advancements, policies, and legislation related to sustainable living likely interested Joan, given her interest in science and the environment.
17. Relationships were a cornerstone of Joan's life, both personal and professional, as evident in her long-lasting marriages and deep connections with her family.
18. Pets were a part of Joan's family, as the memory of them was included in her online condolences.
19. Deals and discounts, particularly during sales or holiday seasons, might have appealed to Joan's practical and resourceful nature.
20. Travel was another passion for Joan, with adventures to Belize and the transformation of her home for Christmas being notable examples.
21. Books and education were integral to Joan's personal growth and self-development, starting from her early years growing up during the Great Depression.
22. The love for reading and education continued through Joan's life, as evidenced by her wide-ranging book collection.
23. Shopping, especially for books and home decor, could have been a pastime for Joan, given her taste for unique personal style.
24. War and conflicts, both historical and contemporary, may have interested Joan, given her passion for history and understanding the world around her.
25. Career development and job search resources were valuable tools for Joan as she navigated different stages of her life, tackling challenges with grace and resilience.

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