Joan Elizabeth Horton passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, in her home in Onalaska, Wisconsin at the age of 86 from cancer. She was born on March 21,1938 in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, the only child of Arthur and Vivian Daffinson. Joan grew up on the north side of LaCrosse and met the love of her life Charles (Chuck) Horton while attending Logan High School. They were married on February 21,1958 and have been married for sixty-six years.

Joan worked at the LaCrosse Rubber Mills for twelve years while raising three boys. Chuck’s railroad career took him away from home frequently leaving Joan to be the nurturer, organizer, and family planner. Joan was a lifelong active member of Bethel Lutheran church and spent many years singing in the church choir. She was a devoted Elvis Presley fan and Elvis’s music frequently filled the house. She had a passion for creating beautiful art through her stained-glass pieces and shared them with family, friends, and church bazaars. Joan enjoyed filling her garden planters and flower gardens with her favorites, geraniums and impatiens.

When Joan and Chuck became empty nesters, family vacations were replaced by many trips with their friends, Marco’s and Heilman’s. Casino trips with friends Sally and Rita were always looked forward to. Euchre was her favorite card game, and many games were played with friends or family on their northside porch or kitchen table. The front door was always open for friends to stop by, have a drink and share a laugh or story.

A special thank you to Rita Towner, Rudy, Sally Wuest and Peanut for all the love and compassion they provided Joan. Thanks to St Croix Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for the care they provided.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Arthur Daffinson and Vivian (Daffinson) Kirkhorn, stepfather Al Kirkhorn, father and mother-in-law Charles and Sybilla Horton, brothers-in-law John (Jack) Horton and David (Hook) Horton.

She is survived by her husband Charles, her sons Michael (Kari), Thomas (Kathy) and Randall Horton. She is also survived by four grandchildren Matthew, Robb, Mitchell and Madeline.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 1931 Loomis Street, La Crosse.  Pastor Donald Fox will officiate and burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Bethel Lutheran Church, La Crosse.