In Memory

Joan Cameron (Wiksten)

Billie "Joan" (Cameron) Wiksten

1944 - 2023

Billie “Joan” Wiksten of Topeka, Kansas, was an adored grandmother, mother and wife. She passed away in the early hours of Monday, February 20, 2023, at the age of 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 she received a Bachelor of the Arts. Afterward, Joan received her Master’s Degree in Library Science in 1968. She was a librarian for USD 501 Topeka Public Schools for 12 years before retiring in 1998.

Joan married David Wiksten on August 27, 1966, in Topeka, Kansas.

Joan was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She had a huge heart and cared for everyone around her. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was known for her quick wit and great sense of humor. Joan enjoyed many activities with her husband such as scuba diving, water skiing and supporting her children in their various activities growing up. Joan was an avid reader who spent her free time rug hooking. Joan created beautiful rugs that her friends and family will cherish forever. Lastly, 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, Junior League Sustainer and local P.E.O. Chapter, Washburn Alumni Association and many book and bridge clubs.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband David and her three children: Christopher “Chris” Wiksten of Highlands Ranch, CO (wife Terri and 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 planned. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610.

Memorial contributions may be made to Washburn University Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.

To leave a message of condolence for Joan’s family, or to share a special memory of Joan, click the Share Memories button above.

https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/260921/Billie-Wiksten/Dove-KS#tukiosplaceholder

Joan's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Return to this site and Click Here to view the service.

https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/260921/Billie-Wiksten/Dove-KS



 
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02/24/23 10:04 PM #1    

Thomas Gorrell

I remember Joan with her infectious, it’s so good to see you, we really need to go out to dinner with you guys sometime soon, smile.  We had planned to do that after the reunion but life got in the way.  The moral to the story is one we all know:  Don’t put off for tomorrow what you should do today.  What an inspirational woman  she was.  She will be greatly missed.


02/25/23 10:11 AM #2    

Louise M. Singer (Ecord)

What a beautiful comment Tom and so true in so many aspects. Yes, the smile made you feel so good. A wonderful person who will be missed by so many. Rest in peace dear Joanie and thank you for being you.

 


02/25/23 12:51 PM #3    

Bill Reed

Joan you have Fought battles and Won!  You lost the last one as we all will.  You are a Heroine!  Remember fondly time we, Seabrook kids, spent warm summer evenings standing on the corner of 23rd talking, laughing and being Capper Jayhawks.  didn't get to spend the time talking with You at the Reunion in Sep that I'd liked to.  You are missed.  Gods speed.  Bill


02/25/23 10:02 PM #4    

Kathryn (Kay) Swalwell (Scott)

I will miss Joan, her sense of humor and cheery personality.  She has been a recent friend in the last few

Years.  I feel the loss of such a positive loving friend.


02/26/23 02:09 PM #5    

Martha (Marti) Ahrens (Miller)

Joan and I were part of a regular foursome bridge group with Judy Raush and Roseann Sams in highschool.  I have many fond memories of those evenings together.  Joan was a close friend as a teen and I'm saddened to learn of passing. RIP, my friend. 


02/26/23 05:30 PM #6    

Judy Rausch (Marks)

I remember first meetin Joan on the first day of school when we were in the 8th grade. She came out of her house and asked if we were going to school. We said we were and she joined us on our way to Capper Junior High. We have been friends since that day about 65 years ago. We were maids of honor in our weddings which were just a week apart. We took trips to Ozarks with Joan and Dave.  Such a long time ago. As time passed life changes as it does for us all. I was divorced and then remarried. We kept in touch, but not like before. Happily after we retired we reconnected and got together often. I am so glad that we had the reconnection. I will dearly miss those times with Joan. 


02/27/23 06:29 AM #7    

Joleen Dickinson (Nusbaum)

Joan and I went to school together and spent a lifetime together in various clubs and activities.  She was one of my best friends and I am so sad.  RIP, Joan.

 


03/03/23 10:47 AM #8    

Karen Steinmeyer (Lichtenstern)

Joan sought me out at the reunion to say hello. She flashed that 1,000 watt smile at me and my heart just melted!  After a brief conversation she was on her way to brighten some other lucky classmate's evening.  What a lucky gal I am to have had that moment with her.  Be happy sweet Joan!


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