Joan Genevieve Cook, age 95, of Quincy, died on December 25, 2025 in her home. She was born on October 21, 1930 in Quincy, the daughter of Carl Spettnagel and Margaret Hilbing. She married Frank Cook on October 21, 1950 in St. Mary’s Church. He preceded her in death.

She worked as a commercial artist at Gardner-Denver and retired in 1992. She was of the Catholic faith.

Joan was a member of Ladies of Charity and the Quincy Artist Guild. She developed a love of drawing at a young age which has continued throughout her life. As a high school student at Quincy Notre Dame High School, she took several art classes and as a senior in high school was chosen to receive the Art Medal. She had participated in many ongoing learning opportunities such as correspondence classes and various artists presented workshops. She has encouraged and mentored other artists throughout her life to feel the joy of painting and to be open to learning, growing, and observing their own unique talent.

Joan enjoyed learning throughout her life. She loved her friends, family, and her faith. She loved to travel. Joan participated in bowling and horseshoe competitions where she won awards. Although she suffered various medical illnesses, she always strived to do her best in spite of the pain and obstacles the medical conditions created for her. Joan always remained concerned about how others were doing. She expressed gratitude for the many kindnesses extended to her and always felt unworthy of them. Although others might express their admiration of her art talents, she honestly did not see her skills of a higher quality or of a higher value. She wanted others to develop their own style and their own talent. As she saw the beauty of their artistic expression. Although her body was often a source of frustration and pain, not allowing her to do things she enjoyed and interfered with her efforts to be independent, she still did her best. Often times she expressed her sense of humor about a 95 year old body that was wearing out.

Her family would like to acknowledge the excellent care provided by Dr. Eling and his nurse, Dianne, Dr. David Phillips, Dr. Rafi, Dr. Hake, and by the orthopedic department at Quincy Medical Group (Megan Bridgeman, F NP-C and Janessa Vandette, PA-C, Blessing Home Care Services with Courtney (nurse) and especially Mindy Entrup, her physical therapist off and on over five years provided excellent care, as well as the impactful support toward Joan and her family. Joan’s caregivers also made a difference in her life. Hospice staff was so amazing in their dedicated service to provide the very best care and comfort for Joan, and the family is so extremely thankful to them.

Joan is survived by her children: Cindy Cramer (Harry) of Quincy; Judy Kane (Ken) of Des Moines, IA; and Dan Cook (Pat) of Quincy. Grandchildren: Kenny Kane (Hillary); Julie Kane (Lori); John Kane (Kathryn); Matthew Cramer (Tara); Patrick Cook (Brooke); Emily Siemer (Drew) Colleen Rogers (Tom). Great-Grandchildren: Samatha and Tyler, Alex and Kylie, Kory, Daniel, and Courtney, Rachel and Ben, Alivya, Harley, Jack, Charlie, Elly, August, Audrey, Tommy, Rachel, and Taylor and Emma Cramer and Harrison ‘Harry’ Cramer.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Mary Lee Musholt and her husband Clyde, Carlene Wavering and her husband Bill, Ruth Moore, Margie Harcharick and her husband Wayne.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday , January 3, 2026 at 9:30 AM at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home followed by Mass at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment to follow at St. Boniface Cemetery. Visitation with be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Hospice, Arts Quincy, or the American Parkinson Disease Association. Service arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.