Peggy Joan Wagner Freeman

Born January 9, 1947, Joan Freeman passed peacefully in her sleep on March 13, 2026. Joan was born into a large, blended family with six siblings in the northeast Arkansas farming community of Manila.

At the young age of sixteen, Joan left home to marry the love of her life, Marlin, who would become her husband of 61 years and the father of their two daughters, Missy and Penny.

Throughout her life, Joan worked in a variety of industries before discovering her true calling as a registered nurse. She built a long and dedicated career, primarily in the cardiovascular specialty, working alongside many of Central Arkansas’ most noted and successful cardiologists and thoracic surgeons.

Joan, her husband Marlin, and a host friends and family frequented many of Arkansas’ recreational lakes and rivers. Although never having acquired the skill of swimming, Joan never hesitated to jump from their Tri-toon party barge into the cool waters of Lake Ouachita.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin; her daughter, Penny; and all six of her siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Missy Rickels (Phil); her grandchildren, CJ Rickels, Maggie Rickels, and Michael Rickels (Kaersti); her great-grandchildren, Caroline Rickels and Mariemma Rickels; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service, The Burial of the Dead, will be held at Philadelphia Cemetery in Jonesboro on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard, PO Box 112, Imboden, AR 72434.