Joan Littleton

View the live stream of Joan's Funeral Service here.

Joan Lea Littleton was born on November 22, 1948, the daughter of Ralph and Patricia (Rigsby) Spencer, in Dunlap, Iowa. She was baptized into the Methodist faith and received her education in Dunlap, graduating from Dunlap High School with the Class of 1968.

Joan's passion for serving others began at a young age in the restaurant industry. Following high school, she worked at Cronk's Café. She also worked as bookkeeper for Selected Masonry. She later started at Eat More Café, eventually purchasing the business and transforming it into her own, the Trio Café. For more than 20 years, she welcomed customers with great food, warm hospitality, and a friendly smile. After closing the café, Joan continued caring for others as a cook at Broadway Elementary for over 15 years. Serving people was truly her life's work. She was an exceptional cook who will be especially remembered for her hot beef, bread pudding, and the countless meals she lovingly prepared for family, friends, and community.

As an adult, Joan confirmed her faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. She shared more than 39 years of life with Michael Petersen before they were married on February 2, 2022.

Nothing brought Joan greater joy than her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and grandchildren at their sporting events and activities, willingly traveling countless miles to support them. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her home and heart were always open to those in need. She lovingly cared for her nieces and nephews, often stepping into the role of a second mom to many. Whether it was babysitting, lending a helping hand, or quietly making sure a child had a new pair of shoes, Joan gave without hesitation or expectation. She treasured the time spent with those she loved, and her kindness, selflessness, and devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joan passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 77 years, eight months and six days. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; and daughter, Tricia Littleton; grandson, Tyler Banks; parents-in-law, Marvine and Margaret Petersen; siblings-in-law, Marlene (Walt) Ziesman and Doris Ann Petersen.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Petersen of Denison; children: Jerod (Kim) Petersen of Schleswig and Keri (Chris) Banks of Papillion; siblings: Jack Spencer of Omaha, Jeanne (Don) Ehlers of Hancock, Janet (Randy) McCoid of Panhandle, Texas, Bob (Karen) Donscheski of Dunlap and Terry (Kay) Donscheski of Dunlap; sister-in-law, Connie Petersen of St. Paul, Minnesota; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment will follow in the Morgan Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.