Joan Blegen, 77

Joan Lee Blegen, age 77, of Spring Valley, died Monday, Sept. 10, at the River Falls Area Hospital.

Joan was born April 8, 1935, the daughter of Arthur and Lascene (North) Firlus, in Mauston, Wis. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Church in Mauston. Joan grew up there and graduated from Mauston High School in 1953.

On June 24, 1954, Joan married Elroy "Buster" Blegen at Decorah, Iowa. They lived in Mauston until 1960 when they moved to Martell, Wis. Joan was a longtime member of Rush River Lutheran Church, rural River Falls. She worked at Croix Circuits at Woodville and loved to read.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Elroy; and two brothers, Dennis Firlus and Frank Bashaw.

Survivors include two sons and one daughter, Tim (Judi) Blegen of Spring Valley, Chris (Julie) Blegen of Wilson, and Sheri Cain of River Falls; brother Bruce (Ann) Firlus of Rockton, Ill.; sister, Gail (Rodney) Smethurst of Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law, Alice Hurtgen of Spring Valley and Eloise Adank of Winona, Minn.; many other relatives and friends.

Memorial funeral service was at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at Rush River Lutheran Church, with Rev. Kari Burke-Romarheim officiating. Organist was Linda Anderson, and vocalists were Adam Blegen and Erin Blegen. Visitation was from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, and also at church Thursday for 1 hour prior to the service. Burial was in Martell Lutheran Cemetery, Martell Township, Wis.

Keehr Funeral Home (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) in Spring Valley is assisting the family with arrangements.

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