Joan B. Crawford

    Joan B. Crawford was called to her Savior’s side on March 7, 2021 in Sparta, WI.

     Joan was born December 24, 1933, in Tomah, WI to Emma and Albert Gamerdinger, she was the only girl with five brothers. She lived and attended school in Germany with her mother, step dad, Pete Jackish, and brothers.

     Joan married Fred Crawford in Tomah, WI, September 5, 1953.  While Fred was in the Navy, they lived in Norfolk, VA and Green Cove Springs, FL.

     Their daughter, Sherry was born in 1954. They moved back to Tomah in 1957. Their son, Bryon was born in 1958.

     Joan and Fred traveled throughout the USA and abroad, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and a 50th anniversary Alaskan cruise. They wintered as “snowbirds” in Marana, AZ for 14 years. They owned and operated American Scrap Iron and Metal Company for 43 years. They purchased the now “Crawford’s New and Used” in Sparta in 2003.

     Joan enjoyed talking to customers and spending time “at the shop” with her son, Bryon. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved antiques and dolls. She will be greatly missed.

     Joan is survived by her daughter, Sherry (George) Villarreal; son, Bryon (Faith) Crawford; grandsons, George (Josie) Villarreal and Tyson (Alyssa) Villarreal; great-grandchildren, Clara, Lizabeth, Ruth, Carter, and Olin Villarreal; brothers, Jim and John Gamerdinger; nieces, nephews, and lots of friends.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; parents; brothers, Edward, William, and Frank Gamerdinger.

     The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Mayo Health System, Sparta, for making her last day on earth comfortable. A special thank you also, to the staff at BridgePath, Sparta, where she resided since 2019.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend John Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church Video Fund or BridgePath, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  

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