Frances "Joan" Herring, 87, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Belle Plaine Specialty Care, Belle Plaine following a long battle with dementia.

Frances Joan was born on the family farm in rural Belle Plaine April 26, 1934 to John and Bertha (Willimak) Fena. She graduated from Keystone High School in 1952. Following school, she worked in the insurance industry and for the local grocery store. Joan then worked as a secretary for Town and Country Wholesale, until she married her husband Gene Herring. Joan and Gene were married May 26, 1972 at the Christ United Methodist Church, Belle Plaine. The couple raised their children on Joan's family farm. When the kids entered into school Joan began driving a school bus and working for Grant Wood in Cedar Rapids, IA. After retirement she worked for Dollar General part time.

In their younger years, Joan and Gene enjoyed square dancing. She liked quilting, shopping and loved to sew clothing for her daughters.

Joan was active in her faith being a member of Christ United Methodist Church and participated in the church ladies' groups. She was also involved in the Friendly Neighbors Club and Belle Plaines Historical Society.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Herring of Belle Plaine, IA; children, James Byers of MN, Amanda (Richard) Brough of Granby, CO; Barbara (Billy) Shields of Luzerne, IA; and grandchildren, Bennett, Mary, Chris Shields.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; son, Gerry Herring; brother, John Fena.

Memorial Service is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Christ United Methodist Church, Belle Plaine, IA with Pastor Thomas Petersen officiating. Burial will take place at Beal Cemetery, Belle Plaine. The Service will be livestreamed through the funeral homes Facebook page.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 1 ^st at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences    can be made to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com .