Joan Marie Franklin

January 26, 1931 - July 20, 2021

Joan Marie Franklin, 90, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at her home. She was born January 26, 1931 in Carmi, Illinois to the late Jacob C. and Mary Elizabeth “Marie” (Vonderschmidt) Birchler. Joan was Catholic in faith and graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in 1949 and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1953. She loved her family and the many friends that she made and kept while she and her husband moved to different cities across the country. Joan also enjoyed visiting with her family and friends, whether it be at her home or theirs. All of her life she retained her interest in the study of history, religion and related subjects, especially ancient history and comparative religions. When they were younger, Joan and her husband, Bill, loved entertaining his many customers, both in the home and other places. Joan loved to be a hostess. Bicycling and swimming kept her in good physical condition and in touch with nature. She felt like she could pray the best when doing these activities. Joan is survived by her sons, William D. Franklin, III (Beth), of Newburgh, IN, John Franklin (Nancy), of Cary, NC and Joseph Franklin, of Evansville, IN; daughters, Anne Marie Franklin (Michael Flak), of Southlake, TX and Kathleen Peterson (Jay), of Savage, MN; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, William D. Franklin, Jr. in 1998; sister, Shirley D. Panus; and her brother, Robert L. Birchler. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 Hebron Avenue, Evansville. Visitation will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2021 at St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church with Father Godfrey Mullen officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, 1 St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116. Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.