Joan Lucille Anderson

Joan L. Anderson, 76, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church on Northland, 5200 Northland Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids. The family will greet friends an hour prior to services at the church. The service will be livestreamed on the church's social media pages.

Joan was born on May 3, 1949, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Chilcote) Havener. She was a 1967 graduate of Knoxville High School and earned her teaching degree from Central College in 1978. On December 28, 1968, Joan was united in marriage to Allen A. Anderson, he preceded her in death on March 28, 2019. Joan was a dedicated educator who taught reading and served as a substitute teacher in the Twin Cedars, Knoxville, Pella, and Montezuma school districts. She had a servant’s heart and found great purpose in helping others. Joan devoted countless hours to teaching English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education, as well as volunteering in schools and churches. She was an active 4-H leader, a Boy Scout merit badge counselor, and gave her time to hospices, nursing homes, and individuals with special needs. Joan’s kindness, generosity, and commitment to others will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived and lovingly remembered by her children, Paul (Dana) Anderson of Marion, Joy (Paul) Haag of Cedar Rapids, and Katie Jean (Drew) Britten of Everett, Washington; seven grandchildren, Lydia (Lazar), Devin (Alli), Zackary, Jayden, Allyson (Andrew), Fiona, and Keegan; a great-granddaughter, Lilah; sister, Joyce (Dean) Gillespie of Knoxville, Iowa; brother, Norman (Ann) Havener of Buckeye, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Becky Anderson of Lincolnwood, Illinois, and Kathy (Ben) Burger of Scofield, Wisconsin; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Catherine; husband, Allen; brother-in-law, Roger Anderson; and parents-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joan’s memory may be directed to the Marion Public Library.