Joan M. Kielman

Joan was born to Ralph Edward and Esther Marie (Weber) Forberg on March 25, 1936. Joan grew up in Fond du Lac, Wis. in a loving household located on old Military Road where she made many memories with her sister Elizabeth “Betty.”

Joan graduated from Saint Mary’s Springs Academy Class of 1954, and it was here by chance that she met the love of her life, Donald Walter Kielman, on a ride home from school. On May 21, 1955, Joan married Don at St. Louis Church in Fond du Lac. In the 67 years they were married, Joan and Don raised three boys, one daughter, and many happy-go-lucky Boxer dogs.

As a young woman, Joan worked for Laux Studio as a model and assisted in the hand coloring of black and white photographs. She was also a secretary at A.C. Nielsens and finished her career as a medical transcriptionist for Associated Physicians.

Joan was happiest when surrounded by her family and she never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. She made it to every athletic event, concert, and school function possible. Nothing stopped Joan from visiting her children and grandchildren; she enjoyed family reunions and the frequent competitions of Yahtzee, dominoes, and cards.

Joan and Don spent their retirement years at their cabin, “Kielman Carefree Acres” in Florence, Wis. While Joan enjoyed the quiet life of the 40 acres, she enjoyed weekend visits from her family even more. No sooner had the glow of headlights touched the driveway than she’d be at the door ready to welcome everyone with one of her unforgettable hugs.

In addition to the time devoted to her family, Joan devoted her life in service to God and those in need. Always willing to offer up a prayer, Joan was an active member in her church community first at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fond du Lac and in retirement at the Church of the American Martyrs in Kingsford. A devout Catholic, Joan observed Eucharistic Adoration weekly and administered the Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.

Joan felt guided on a religious pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, which inspired her to share her knowledge of the miracles and graces obtained through praying the rosary. She started a rosary ministry with Kathleen of Iron Mountain, distributing rosaries for those in need.

Although Joan’s final years may have kept her off her feet, she was joyful spending her time in her chair tucked in under her blanket, being visited by family and friends. She enjoyed much laughter and many meals with her son, David, and daughter, Mary with Daisy, the St. Bernard.

Joan was survived by her children Michael (Julene) Kielman of Grantsburg, Wis; her compassionate caretaker, David Kielman of Fond du Lac; Brian Kielman of Florence; Marybeth Kielman of Fond du Lac; and grandchildren: Khristy (Erik), Joshua, Nicholas (Kaitlyn), Victor (Cailey), Maddy; and with special mention, her dear niece and nephew, Cindy and John Ernest, whose love and presence were constant over the years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Esther; her husband, Don; and her sister, Elizabeth.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family has requested that you remember our beloved “prayer warrior” by praying five decades of the Holy Rosary on Saturday, June 7, commemorating the “Jubilee 2025 1st Saturdays of Fatima” devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In particular Joan has asked for all to reflect on the Joyful Mysteries, a source of great comfort and strength during difficult times.

Our family wishes to extend deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the ladies of Hospice who assisted Joan, David, and Mary the last few weeks of Joan’s life. Their compassion and care made an infinite difference in navigating the sorrowful time.

Each time our mother and “Granny” would say goodbye, she would make the sign of the cross with her thumb on our foreheads. The family would like to extend Joan’s parting words to those reading: May God love you, bless you, and keep you safe.

Visit www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.