Joan Marilyn Tallan

In Loving Memory Joan M. Tallan  (1937–2025)

Joan Marilyn (Petersen) Tallan passed away peacefully  in her home at The Springs, Sherwood on July 7, 2025. In her final days she was surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and caregivers. She was 87 years old. 

Joan was born to Hans and Ellen Petersen on September 1, 1937  in Minden, Nebraska. Her family moved to the Sherwood, Oregon area when she was 10.

Joan attended Tualatin Grade School in Tualatin. She went on to attend Sherwood High School where she was involved in many activities. One of her favorite memories was being chosen as part of the first Robin Hood Festival Maid Marion court.

After high school Joan began working different jobs. While working at Multnomah Bank, she met her husband Otis. After marriage they began their life in the Multnomah area. After having their four children in the early 1960’s they moved to a home Otis built on five acres in Sherwood. Joan began her career working at Hopkins Elementary in Sherwood. They moved to a dairy farm near Canby, Oregon in the late 70’s. This is where both Otis and Joan enjoyed living for many years. Joan finished out her career working for the Canby School District. After also retiring from the dairy business, they started focusing on their love of plants. 

She blessed many with her plants, flowers, and baked goods. Her grandchildren were spoiled with her masterpiece birthday cakes made upon request. Both Otis and Joan belonged to the Rhododendron Society and made many friends who shared their love of plants. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Molalla, Oregon where she served her baked goods and provided her beautiful flower bouquets. 

Otis and Joan returned to the Tualatin area during their final years. After her husband Otis passed, she returned to live in Sherwood at The Springs.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Otis and five of her siblings. She is survived by one brother, her four children: Donald (Marianne), Daniel (Ann), Darrell (Irene), Diana Visser (Paul), eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on August 9th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 5650 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton, OR. 

Joan will be remembered for her beautiful smile, loving heart, and always thinking of others.