The daughter of Joseph and Margaret Mueller, she was born on June 3, 1920, in Charlestown, Wis. She was received into the School Sisters of Francis on June 13, 1939; made her first profession of vows on June 21, 1941; and final (perpetual) vows on June 21, 1947.

Beginning in 1943, Sister Joan Frances ministered in Wisconsin and Illinois for 72 years. In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, she taught at St. James School in Decatur (1969-1983). She retired in 1991 and served as a volunteer at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, Wis. (1991-2014), and in the ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels Convent until the time of her death.

Sister Joan Frances is survived by her sister-in-law Ethel Mueller of Chilton, Wis.; numerous nieces and nephews; friends; and the School Sisters of St. Francis, with whom she shared her life for 75 years.

A wake and a Mass of Christian Burial were held on May 28, 2014, at St. Joseph Convent, Milwaukee, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery there.