Joan D. Coats

MONONA – Joan D. Coats, age 89, of Monona, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Oak Park Nursing Home in Madison. She was born on July 29, 1934, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Harley McKnight and Ellen Wick McKnight. She married William Coats on May 9, 1949. Together they owned and operated Inland Boats for over 50 years. Joan also worked as a travel agent for many years with Monona Travel, where she enjoyed cruising, and one day excursions to her favorite casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. When she was closer to home, she enjoyed going to Ho Chunk Casino with her son Rick.

Joan is survived by her children, Lou (Dave Jones), Vicki Kau, and Owen (Heather) Coats; grandchildren, Jeri Jo Hawkins, Lindsay Lyons, Dillon (Nicole) Kau, Cameron Kau, Kayla (Joe) Kellogg, Ryan and Austin Coats; great-grandchildren, Tehera and Michael Hawkins, Drake Lucas, Connor, Wesley and Levi Kau, Carlee, Cora and Adalyn Coats; sisters-in-law, Margo Doyle McKnight and Susan Simpson, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Rick Coats; her brothers, Gerald McKnight and Homer Simpson; her sister, Sharon Nelson; her great granddaughter, Ruby Coats; and her beloved dog, Lucy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace Hospice for all of their care of Joan.

To honor Joan’s wishes of not having a funeral, a private service will be held by family. A celebration of Joan’s life will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.