Joan Ruth Kullgren

Joan Ruth Kullgren, 85 passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023 at Monadnock Community Hospital surrounded by loved ones.  She was born in Norwich Connecticut on November 3, 1937 to Alice (Rathburn) and Charles Banker.  Her family moved to Temple NH when she was a child.  She grew up on West Rd with her parents and younger sister.  Joan graduated from Peterborough High School in 1955.  She married Lawrence Ross Kullgren on April 28, 1956.  They moved to Francestown in 1962 where they raised four children. 

Joan loved her life on the small farm with her family and animals.  She cherished her community and the life long friends she made in her beloved town.  She was one of the founding members of the Francestown Fire Department Auxiliary in 1972. Joan saw a need for a formal organization to support the fire fighters on extended calls.  After one such call, (being 7 months pregnant with twins!) Joan brought refreshments to fire fighters on a long, three-day search for a lost person on Crotched Mountain.  With help from her friend, Liz Foote, and other wives of the fire fighters, the Auxiliary was created and continues to be a well-respected organization in the Francestown community. 

Joan had a love for baking and worked for many years in the bakery for the Carbee’s in Greenfield NH.  Later she opened a bakery out of her house baking breads and all sorts of sweets.  She also worked at New England Business Services retiring in the 1990’s to pursue her love of baking.  Joan had a talent for making beautiful cakes from birthday to wedding.  These were a specialty of hers and if you were fortunate enough to have had one, you would clearly have remembered it! Joan also had a love and talent for doll making.  Very proud of the courses she took, she beautifully crafted many custom-made dolls that complemented many homes. 

Joan lived out her days at her family home with her beloved dog Pennie.  A lover of all animals, she enjoyed talking about ‘the old days’ and all of her former four-legged friends. 

Joan is survived by her sister Charlene Eddy, her husband Marty and two nieces.  Her four children, Ronald Kullgren and his wife Karen, Becky and her husband Pat Meattey, Lawrence Kullgren Jr, and David Kullgren and his wife Tori.  She was also lucky enough to have four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  Joan was predeceased by her husband in November of 1983.

She had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed.  She carefully listened and offered insight albeit with humor most times.  There was a unique balance of wisdom and wise guy to her!

Joan will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.  Her passing leaves a large hole in our hearts. 

A graveside service is planned for Saturday August 12 at 11 o’clock.  Joan will be buried alongside her husband at Francestown cemetery #3 on 2nd NH Turnpike South.  A reception will follow at the Blue Bear Inn, 534 Mountain Road in Francestown.  All are invited.  Please bring a story to share, tale to tell or a humorous memory.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Francestown Fire Department Auxiliary. 

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