Joan E. Poirier, age 86 of Bowler, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2013 in Antigo. Born on September 21, 1926 in Duluth, MN, she was the daughter of the late Jean and Evelyn (Anunson) Walter. Joan lived most of her life in the Duluth area. On March 4, 1950 she was united in marriage to Louis "Louie" Walter Poirier in New York. He preceded her in death in June of 1963. Joan worked as an LPN for several years in Maine and Arkansas and lived for several years in Texas. Joan was a talented musician. She was a singer and played the string bass for the Duluth Symphony Orchestra. She also played in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Maine, Arkansas, and was involved in the opera in Russia for four years. Joan moved to the Shawano area in 2004 and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. Joan is survived by: 5 children, Louis (Barbara) Poirier, Jr. of TX, Monica (Dale) Adams of MO, Christopher Poirier of WA, Andy Poirier of MN, Jeffrey Poirier of WA; 4 step grandchildren; 2 grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley (Adwell) Steinhagen of MN. Joan was preceded in death by: her husband, Louis; her son, Michael; her parents;her sister, Joyce (Tommy Tourtillott) Bailey; and a cousin. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com