Memorial
Joan Biederman of Hiawatha, Iowa passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be held, starting at 9:00 a.m., prior to the 11:00 Funeral Service on Thursday, September 24th, 2020. at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha, Iowa. As mandated by proclamation, social distancing and face coverings must practiced. Burial will be in Shiloh cemetery.
Joan was a kind and loving person who was a friend to everyone and loved by all. She was devoted to her family, and she was a devout Christian who practiced her faith every day. Joan possessed an extraordinary beauty both inside and out. She was a gift who will be deeply missed every day until we meet her again.
Joan was born on November 22, 1929 to Julius and Flora Krumm in a house in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the fourth of five children that included two brothers (Dale and DeWayne) and two sisters (Dona and Carole). She spent her early years on a farm and attended a country school. Eventually, she transferred to Trinity Lutheran School in Cedar Rapids and then to Roosevelt High School where she graduated in 1948. Joan was known for being a great dancer. Even as young as 5 years old, she was such a good tap dancer, her mother considered having her audition in front of some Hollywood talent scouts. With Shirley Temple curls and not a shy bone in her body, Joan was quite the young potential talent! In high school, Joan especially enjoyed dancing the Jitter Bug. She would often be a partner with her brother, Dale, at the local dance parlors where they would be viewed as some of the best performers!
After high school, Joan worked as a long distance operator for Northwestern Bell, and it was during that time that Joan met the love of her life, Jim Biederman. They were married on August 14, 1948, having recently celebrated 72 years of marriage! Jim was required to serve his country during the Korean War, so he joined the Air Force and was sent to Fountainbleau, France. Fortunately, Joan was able to accompany him, and during Jim’s years in the service they had two daughters, Janet and Jeannie.
They returned to the United States in 1956 and lived in Cedar Rapids where their other two children were born, Jackie and John. Eventually, the family moved to Hiawatha, where Joan continued her role as a wonderful devoted mother, homemaker, and volunteer in her church and community. Joan would do anything for her children, and especially enjoyed the many family vacations and weekend outings that focused on making her kids happy. She has certainly left her children the gift of lots of wonderful and humorous family memories!
Within the community, Joan and Jim were charter members of Zion Lutheran Church where Joan taught Sunday School and was involved with the Altar Guild and Lady’s Guild. She was also a Camp Fire leader and active in the Hiawatha PTA. Joan was an excellent cook, and her outstanding pies were her specialty. Joan also liked to read, loved music and painting, and enjoyed playing cards. She and Jim belonged to card clubs for many years. In 1971 Joan became the City Clerk of Hiawatha where she served the city for 15 years. She retired in 1986. During her retirement, Joan enjoyed traveling, visiting family, and playing cards with family and friends.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Flora Krumm, her siblings, Dale Krumm, DeWayne Krumm, Dona Cunningham, and Carole Krumm. Joan is survived by her loving family: husband Jim Biederman; daughters Janet (Jerry) Mayer, Jeannie (Tom) Groth, and Jackie (Bob) Reagan; son John (Linda) Biederman; grandchildren Jennifer, Sarah, Brian, Aimee, and Kevin; great grandchildren Jeneca and Michelle; and great great grandchildren Aldin, Bryleigh, and Aleea; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church, in Hiawatha, or to the family for distribution.