Joan Marie Tolar, 81, of Hutchinson, died March 25, 2024, at Hospice House. She was born January 11, 1943, in Hutchinson, to Eldon E. and Leona M. (Newlin) Fast.
Joan graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1961, where she was active in many musicals and Student Council, and from Hutchinson Community College in 1963. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and worked as an administrative assistant at the church for over 25 years, retiring in 2009. Joan also directed children’s choirs for more than 20 years and took the leadership for 10 Mother’s Day musicals and several children’s Christmas programs. She was a member of the Senior Choir, Anna Circle, numerous church committees, Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and served as a Stephen Minister. Joan also had been a member of YWCA in Nigeria, Sweet Adelines, and PEO Chapter CM.
On July 7, 1963, she married Robert H. “Bob” Tolar, in Hutchinson. They shared over 60 years of marriage. He survives.
Also surviving are: their sons, Dwight & Mary Tolar of Manhattan, Donald Tolar of Hutchinson; grandsons, Alex Tolar of Manhattan, Drew Tolar and Reece Tolar of Cheney; and many extended family members.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce & Ted Hesse, Jean & Bob May; and brother-in-law, Byron Tolar and his wife Julia.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson. Burial will take place at a later date in Fairlawn Burial Park.
The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it will be here: https://www.youtube.com/@emanuellutheranchurchhutch5157
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday thru Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.