Joan Walterman, 81

Joan Margaret Albertson was born March 11, 1945, in Evanston, Ill., to Marriott and Margaret Albertson. They preceded her on this final move to join them and see Jesus on April 6, 2026. 

After waging a war against cancer for the last three years, some would say that she lost the battle to this wicked disease. But in reality, she won the battle when Jesus welcomed her into her final and breathtaking eternal address!

She was 12 years old when, on Aug. 31, 1957, she met the boy she would marry six years later. (Neither set of parents would allow an immediate marriage between a 12 and a 14-year-old!) They were married in Rolling Meadows, Ill., on Aug. 10, 1963. Two sons soon became partners in the new family as they began decades of ministry.

Joan served faithfully as an amazing Mom, women’s Bible teacher, incredible helpmate and marriage partner needing to carry a heavier burden to facilitate her husband’s travel as a director for Promise Keepers, an instructor for two-day seminars on prayer and some overseas ministry at times. God’s assignments for them required an extraordinary wife as part of the "team."

The last two decades have been very special with a ministry that allowed both to be together for almost everything God asked them to do!

Joan temporarily leaves behind her husband, Paul; two sons, Wesley (and his wife, Coral), David (and his wife, Amy); eight grandchildren, Caleb (and Sarah), Kaleah, Ben, Karissa, Kaitlyn, Matthew (and Baliee), Jackson and Weston; and five great-grandchildren, Lucy, Paul, Charlotte, and soon to arrive Jack and Clara;  a brother, Ron (and Shan) Albertson; nieces; nephews and other family.

The memorial service will be Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Valley Assembly Church at 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, Wash. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.