Billie “Joan” Wiksten of Topeka, Kansas was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife. She passed away in the early hours of Monday, February 20, 2023, aged 78.
Joan was born in Springfield, Missouri to John and Geraldine (Bartling) Cameron on May 10, 1944. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1962. She continued her education at Washburn University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where has received a Bachelor of the Arts. She subsequently received her M.A. in Library Science in 1968. She was a librarian for 12 years for the $501 Topeka Public Schools before retiring in 1998.
Joan married David Wiksten on August 24, 1966 in Topeka, Kansas.
Joan was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. About her She had a huge heart and cared about everyone around her. She loved spending time with her family and her friends. She was known for her wit and great sense of humor. Joan has enjoyed many of her activities with her husband such as scuba diving, water skiing and supporting her children in their various growing up activities. Joan was an avid reader who spent her free time hooking carpets. Joan has created beautiful rugs that her friends and family will cherish forever. Finally, she was very active in her various small groups and book clubs. She was a member of the Topeka Baptist Church, Daughter of the American Revolution, supporter of the local Junior League and PEO chapter, Washburn Alumni Association, and many bridge and book clubs.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband David and three children: Christopher “Chris” Wiksten of Highlands Ranch, CO (wife Terri, daughters Addison and Ashlyn), Andrew Wiksten of Topeka, KS (wife Veronica, daughters Anna, Oliva and Sophia, and son Liam), and Anne Epperson of Shawnee, KS (husband Blake and daughters, Madeline, Sydney and Brooklyn) as well as her sister Janet Laing (husband Ed German) of Phoenix, AZ and sisters-in-law Betsy McKillop of Clovis, CA, Diane Gordy of Topeka, KS and Barbara Millard (husband Gary) of Smithville, MO.
Honoring Joan’s request, cremation is expected. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Washburn University Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
To leave a special message of condolences for the family or to share a memory of Joan online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
Published online February 24, 2023
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
