Joan Carol Shafar, daughter of Louis and Bernice (Knutson) Olson, was born July 2, 1944, in Albert Lea. She graduated high school 1962 from Albert Lea High School.

On Jan. 10, 1966, Joan was united in marriage to William “Bill” Shafar. Their first home was in Buffalo Center, Iowa. They made their home in West Union, Iowa, in 1972. Bill and Joan were blessed with four children, Tim, Justine, Bill Jr. and Cyndi. They also had a son who died at birth, Brian. Joan was a wonderful wife and mother who created a loving home for her family.

Joan loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who loved to eat her homemade noodles, salsa and rhubarb jam. Hobbies that brought her joy were cross-stitch, quilting and playing the guitar. She also enjoyed going to the lake and fishing, picture puzzles and fussing at Dad.

Joan died at Palmar Lutheran Health Center in West Union on Friday, June 21, 2013.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Tim (Deb) Shafar of Vinton, Iowa, Justine (Jon) Holland of Ankeny, Iowa, Bill (James) Moyle-Shafar Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cyndi (Ron) Roulson-Bills of West Union; brother-in-law, Ken (Joan) Shafar of Tavers, Fla.; grandchildren, Rebekah, Hannah, Joshua, Grant, Bruce, Drake, Jenny, Josie, Brian, Angie, Michele, Brandon, Brittany, Bryton and Brooklyn; great-grandchildren, Kael, Hunter and Aiden; sisters, Darlene (Olson) Krause of St. Paul, Linda (Ed) Williamson of Glenville, Patty (Butch) Hintz of Albert Lea and Susan (John) Robinette of Maple Grove; brothers, Bob (Regis) Olson of Albert Lea, Roger (Marlene) Olson of Albert Lea, Lewis Olson of Albert Lea and Larry (Lanette) Olson of Clarks Grove; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Brian; and sisters, Beverly Baller, Harriet Potter, Karen Hanson and Kathleen and Elaine Studelska; and brother, Richard Olson.