Joan was born in Eureka on April 17, 1963, to Edward and Rosemary (Phillips) Schratwieser.

Joan spent her life growing up in Humboldt County with her four brothers, Edward, Donald, David, and Robert. She attended Rio Dell Elementary School and graduated from Fortuna High School in 1981.

Joan earned a living in the health care system for 15 years. She was a volunteer at Visiting Angel, an in-home care provider, was a non-certified CNA and a Certified Nurse’s Assistant.

On June 30, 1984, Joan married the love of her life, Randle Thomsen, in Fortuna. About five years later they were blessed and welcomed their baby boy, Stefan Randle Thomsen. Her goal was to be the very best wife and mother she could be. She loved having family time, all the while learning to stand up for herself and others.

A special note from Joan’s son Stefan:

“I was having a medical mystery, and my mother stood by my side through it all. She even asked the San Francisco doctor to write a medical note for her employer telling them she would be staying home with me until I was fully recovered. I love you, Mom.”

Joan was an animal lover, having many cats and dogs over the years. Joan was dedicated to her family, both two- and four-legged, and to her faith. She loved outdoor activities such as fishing — ask her husband how she fished him out of the ocean, and while you’re asking, have him tell you about the fishing pole story too. She enjoyed crocheting, crafts, meetings with the church ladies, and helping Randle around the house. She always held a dream of becoming a nurse.

Joan received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in 2019. She fought with everything she had and more. Unfortunately, the cancer moved seven different times in her body until it was in her liver and bones.

Joan climbed the stairway to heaven on April 8, 2026, to join those who preceded her: her parents Edward and Rosemary; brother Robert; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved cats and dogs — Footloose, Fancy Free, Cally, Rodney, Dutchess, Oreo, Cuddles, Amigo, Tasha, Smokey, Beverly, and Sampson.

Joan leaves behind many family and friends who love and will miss her deeply: her husband Randle; her son Stefan; her brothers Edward, Donald, and David; aunts, uncles, cousins; many nieces and nephews, among them Jennifer, Kelsi, Kevin, Nicky, and P.J.; and her mother- and father-in-law, Charleen and Donald Hicks.

Services for Joan will be held June 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Faith Center Foursquare Church, 1032 Bay Street, Eureka. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Joan’s courage and strength through years of battling this horrible disease were an inspiration. Her heart and faith never wavered. Her love for her husband and son was beyond measure. She was a bright light who touched so many lives. Rest in peace, our sweet beautiful Joan.