Joan Mae Dawley

Joan Mae Dawley, age 85, of Winnebago, Minnesota, passed away on January 1^st, 2023, at Parker Oaks Senior Living in Winnebago after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joan was born May 1^st, 1937, to John & Blanche (Andreason) Pollei in Mankato, Minnesota. Joan graduated high school in May 1955 from Garden City High School and later went on to receive a certificate in computer technology from South Central College in North Mankato.  She married the love of her life, Frank V. Dawley, on June 25^th, 1955. Together they raised 5 children on a small hobby farm in Garden City.

Joan did all the bookkeeping and running errands for the family business, Dawley’s Garage, which operated for 30 years. In addition, Joan was employed by Happy Chef in Mankato, Young America Corporation, H & R Block, Home Testing Institute and was self-employed as a cake baker and decorator. She kept busy with gardening, canning, freezing, baking, cooking, sewing and crochet. She was highly active in the Kato Cycle Club where she was a life member.

Joan had macular degeneration which eventually led to blindness. There were several programs and services in place that made it possible for her to independently remain in her home until she entered hospice.

She is survived by 4 of her children, Peggy Dawley of Indianapolis, Indiana, Charles (Judy) Dawley of Rochester, Minnesota, Gary (Cheryl) Dawley of Nekoosa, Wisconsin and Carol Dawley of Nicollet, Minnesota, 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Jack and Donald, daughter Linda (Paul) Folmar of Tallahassee, Florida and an infant grandson Michael White, Jr.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., January 27^th at North Mankato Mortuary Northview (2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato). Visitation is 1 hour prior to the funeral. Lunch will be served following the funeral service. Interment will be at Garden City Cemetery after the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family, Interfaith Caregivers of Blue Earth, Minnesota, United Health District Hospice of Blue Earth, Minnesota, American Cancer Society, or American Diabetes Association.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Northview – North Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.