Clinton, IA - Joan E. Atherton, 84, of Clinton, Iowa, formerly of Thomson, Illinois, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton.

A Rosary Service will begin at 1 p.m., followed by visitation from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m., with Father Paul Appel, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Clinton, officiating. Interment will follow at Lower York Cemetery in Thomson, Illinois. A memorial has been established.

Joan was born April 18, 1941, in Libertyville, Illinois, to George A. and Helen D. (Miller) Titus. She was educated in the St. Mary's Elementary School in Fremont Center, Illinois, and was a 1959 graduate of Libertyville High School in Libertyville, Illinois. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Illinois University in Macomb and later received her Master's degree in Outdoor Education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. On August 4, 1962, she married Larry F. Atherton in Fremont Center, Illinois. They shared their lives for over 56 years before his passing on June 8, 2019. Joan dedicated her career to teaching in the elementary schools of Morrison and Thomson, Illinois, where she inspired countless young students. She was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna, where she also served as a catechism teacher. Deeply involved in her community and profession, she held leadership roles in the Teacher Education Association, the Illinois Education Association, and the Retired Teachers of Carroll County. Joan also volunteered and served as a board member and officer with Heartland Pet Welfare in Savanna and participated in TOPS Club in Thomson. She was a member and officer of the Dorothy Footitt Scholarship Committee for Carroll County graduating seniors and a past member and officer of Delta Kappa Gamma. Joan was a lifelong learner, enjoyed helping others, mentoring fellow educators, and had a special place in her heart for cats.

Survivors include one daughter, Lori (Casey) Cooling of Durant, Iowa; one son, Dan (Tina) Atherton of Avon, Illinois; four grandchildren; three step grandchildren; one great-step grandchild; one sister, Linda (Richard) Klyman of East Moline, Illinois; and two brothers, Larry (Jacquie) Titus of Jefferson, Wisconsin, and Albert ( Linda) Titus of Gages Lake, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry; one son, David M. Atherton; one sister, Georgegene Willemarck; one brother, James Titus; one brother-in-law, James Willemarck.

To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com