Joan M. (Tranel) Ricketts, 75, of Asbury, IA, formerly of East Dubuque and Menominee, IL, died at 3:42 P/M, Sunday June 11, 2023, following an acute illness, at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A/M, Thursday, June 15, 2023, at St. Mary's Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 7:30 P/M, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be 2:30 P/M, Wednesday.

She was born on December 17, 1947, in Menominee, IL, daughter of Aloysius "Fritz" and Albertha (Schonhoff) Tranel.  Joan attended high school at the St. Clara Academy, Sinsinawa, then joined the Sisters of St Francis Convent Dubuque for two years.

Joan married Karl Ricketts on September 14, 1974, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee and enjoyed 34 years of marriage before his passing in 2009.

Before she was married and until the birth of her first child she worked at First National Bank of Dubuque for the Senior Vice President.  When her children were in high school she began working at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary as an administrative assistant for the Dean of the Seminary.  She spent 20 wonderful years there and enjoyed her great boss and working with the professors.

Joan was active in St Mary's East Dubuque School and Parish.  She served as homeroom mother for 7 years and on the school board for 3 years. She was moderator of the St Joseph's Adoration Chapel in East Dubuque for 4 years.  She was a committee chairperson and parish rep for the Jo Daviess County Country Festival for 30 years and was on the JDCCF Board as Treasurer for 8 years.

Her husband, 3 children and 6 grandchildren were the center of her life.  Her family created true happiness and joy in her life, and She felt God truly blessed her with this wonderful family.

Surviving are her three sons, Robert Ricketts of Dubuque, IA, Matt (Liz) Ricketts of Menominee, IL, and Dennis Ricketts of Dubuque, IA; two sisters, Rose Ann Kunkel and Connie (Doug) Brock; a sister in law, Mary Jo Eigenberger; six grandchildren, Allie, Isabel, Brynn, Vivian, Carter, Camille; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fritz and Albertha Tranel; husband, Karl Ricketts; and sister, Janet Vosberg.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©