Joan Frances Erb, 78, of Wells, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at her home in Wells. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells with the Rev. Thomas Niehaus officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial will be at St. Casimir Cemetery in Wells. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting with arrangements.

Joan Frances Erb was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Vernon Center, the daughter of Joseph Elnathon and Frances Evelyn (Baker) Bowen. She attended school in Vernon Center, Amboy and graduated from Minnesota Lake High School. After high school, she attended Mankato Beauty School in Mankato. On May 29, 1952, she was united in marriage to George P. Erb at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells.

Joan worked as a beautician for close to 58 years, having her own business out of her home for many of those years. She had also worked at Mallon’s and Musser’s in Wells. She was a devoted member of St. Casimir Catholic Church. Joan loved her dogs, especially her beloved chihuahuas, Babe and Cutie. She enjoyed gardening and loved doing laundry. She was a very caring, and loving friend to many, and would check in on her friends regularly.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, George Erb, of Wells; three children: Dennis (wife Kristine) Erb, of Albert Lea, G. Pete Erb II, of Mason City, Iowa, and Shirlee Erb of Mankato; four grandchildren: Brandy (husband Jamie) Hensche and Amber (husband Joe) Johnson, all of Albert Lea, Tyler Erb, of Wells, and Chanteal Erb (special friend Nate Matheson) of Superior; two great-grandsons: Landon Johnson and Riker Hensche; one brother, Larry (wife Shirley) Bowen of Mapleton; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents.