Obituary of Joan E. Parsons

Joan Evans Parsons passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024 at the age of 94. Joan was born on July 23, 1929 in Iowa City to George H. and Constance Evans Frohwein . She graduated from Iowa City High School in 1947 with a close-knit group of schoolmates who maintained lifelong friendships.  One of the most cherished memories of her high school years was City High winning the boys’ Iowa State Basketball Championship in 1946.

Joan received her BA degree in English from the University of Iowa in 1951, and during college was a member of the Scottish Highlanders and Pi Beta Phi sorority.   She met her future husband, C.H. “Larry” Parsons on a blind date while in college, and they were married in 1951.  While raising three children, she devoted time to school and youth activities through various PTA groups and was a representative on the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission.  She also served as a Brownie and Cub Scout leader, took an active role with the Iowa City Music Auxiliary, and she volunteered for the Mercy Hospital Guild.  She was one of the early volunteers for Project GREEN, an all-volunteer civic beautification group which was founded in 1968.  She remained an avid gardener all her life.

Joan was a former member of the Republican Central Committee, and over the years worked part-time in the family business, Frohwein Office Supply.  She was active in her church, Congregational United Church of Christ, in Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, and was a member of PEO Chapter E. 

She was honored in 1979 to receive the “Outstanding Greek Alumna” award, presented by the Iowa City Alumnae Panhellenic Association.  She was a skilled duplicate bridge player and obtained her Life Master Certificate in 2004.  One of the honors she was most proud of was being inducted into the Iowa City High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Despite Joan’s busy schedule, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who loved to host Sunday family dinners and provide babysitting and transportation service.  She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her many friends as well. 

She is survived by her children Cindy Parsons (Gary Klinefelter), David Parsons, and Douglas (Connie) Parsons, all of Iowa City; grandchildren Emily Klinefelter, Katy Klinefelter, Max Parsons and Kelli Parsons; great-grandchildren Ivan Johnson and Thanos Johnson; and brother George E. Frohwein of Kennesaw, Georgia. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, C.H. “Larry” Parsons, and her parents.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Project GREEN, www.projectgreen.org

Joan’s family wishes to express heartfelt thanks for the loving care provided by all the staff at Grand Living at Bridgewater.