Joan Downer

Joan Jean Downer, 75, of Strawberry Point passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. Memorial service was held February 1 at Strawberry Point.

Joan was born March 11, 1941 in New Albin, the daughter of Vincent and Edna (Halvorson) Strub. She graduated from Lansing St. George High School in 1959.

Joan married Charles Rettinger in 1959. Three sons were born to this union. They moved to the Aurora area and farmed together, and they later divorced. Joan was then united in marriage to Richard Downer in 1973, and one son was born to this union. The couple later divorced.

Joan loved nature, especially growing flowers.  She was a very creative person who enjoyed doing crafts, painting and quilting.  Most of all, Joan cherished the time she spent with her family.

Survivors include her four sons, Michael (Sharon) Rettinger of Oelwein, Gary Rettinger of Strawberry Point, Randy (Linda) Rettinger of Albuquerque, NM and James (Gwen) Downer of Lamont;  eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three sisters, Kathryn (Robert) VanBrocklin of Lansing, Elaine (John) Burg of Caledonia, MN and Karen Strub of La Crescent, MN; and two brothers, Robert (Joan) Strub of Lansing and Ron Strub of Murrieta, CA.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Vincent Strub, Jr, in infancy, and Duane Strub; and one grandson, Aaron Rettinger.