Joanne Johnson Obituary

Joanne P. (Mol) Johnson, of Des Moines IA and Lincoln NE, October 9, 1924-September 5, 2024

Joanne P. (Mol) Johnson, 99, died on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Lincoln NE.

Joanne was born October 9, 1924, to Jacob Mol and Gertie (De Zeeuw) Mol near Sioux Center, IA.

She attended Northwestern College (Orange City IA), received her teaching certificate from Western Union College in LeMars IA, and taught elementary school for four years, then worked for Meredith Corporation in Des Moines for 18 years. She retired as a supervisor at Meredith in 1986.

Joanne married Stanley C. Johnson on August 28, 1947. They were blessed with three daughters: Kathleen Johnson (Nelson Potter d. 2013; Paul Olson 2014-) of Lincoln NE, Gail Speckmann (Rick) of Plymouth MN, and Doreen Kloehn (David) of Minneapolis MN.

She is survived by five grandchildren, Katherine (Speckmann) Gillette (Justin) of Minneapolis MN, Benjamin Speckmann (Chelsea) of Chicago IL, Sophia Potter (Dirk) of Omaha NE, Julia Kloehn of Silver Bay MN, Andrea Kloehn (Miguel) of Boulder CO; two great-grandchildren, Preston and Graham Gillette, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by Stanley, her parents, and her siblings Neal, Dorothy, Ethel, and John.

Joanne was an active member of Grace Lutheran’s women’s organization (Grace Women), held local and state offices in Church Women United, helped with refugee resettlement, and served as a board member and volunteer for Global Gifts. She enjoyed reading, gardening, word games, and travel.

The family thanks Yankee Hill Village (2021-23) and Tabitha Health Care Services (2023-24) for their loving and skilled care in Lincoln.

Joanne believed that flowers were for the living, so her family requests that you consider a donation in her memory to Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines or Bread for the World.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 13, 5:00-7:00 PM at Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Rd., Des Moines IA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 AM, Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines IA. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. The private committal service will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesCares.com

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