Joan Carol (Eggert) Hawkins

Joan Carol Hawkins, 92, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on March 28, 1932 to Norman "Baldy" and Dorothy (Rehfeldt) Eggert at home in Appleton. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1950 and was the president of the reunion club they named "The Nifty Fifty". Joan then graduated from the La Crosse Teachers College as an elementary school teacher and taught second grade at Jefferson School in Appleton until she became a mom. On October 15, 1955 she was united in marriage to Donald "Hawk" Hawkins. Joan also was a teacher's aide and a bus aide with the Appleton School District, where she dearly loved the children, until her retirement. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church serving as Church Council President, Sunday School Teacher, Music Director and Superintendent. Joan was a lifetime member of the Appleton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 38, was a Past President, Chaplain and served on other committees. She was active with her husband Don in the Appleton Post 38 Legion Baseball program and was affectionately known as “Joanie” by the baseball boys. In her retirement she was known as “Info Joan” at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers stadium for many years.

Joan is survived by her husband of 68 years Don "Hawk", children; Steven (Joan) Hawkins, Sue Hawkins, Julie Wockenfus, and Lori Eastman, six grandchildren; Brian (Nicole) Henry, Brittany Henry, Elizabeth (Dan) Crockett, Samantha Brooker, Kayla (Carl) Eastman, and Drew Eastman, eight great grandchildren; Chloe, Clifford, Autumn, Hayden, Camdan, Maddon, Broden and Gavin, other relatives and many friends.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, her husband's parents; Harold (Holly) Hawkins and Dorothy Hawkins, and a special son-in-law, Dave Eastman.

The funeral service for Joan will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 N. Oneida St., Appleton. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 Richmond St., Appleton and on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A Legion Auxiliary service will be held on Friday at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m.

For online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caregivers at The Renaissance Assisted Living, Ballard Glenn Assisted Living and Compassus Hospice for all their wonderful care of Joan.

Joan was very creative and gave so many people special memories through her poems, songs and thoughtful gifts. She was loved by everyone! She shared with our family in her last days with us “I HAD A GREAT LIFE”! We’ll love and miss you forever!!

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.