She graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1943. JoAnn retired in 1984, after 23 years as a seamstress at Lincoln Drapery Shop. She was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church, Second Armored Auxiliary, Lancaster County Century Historical Society, Lancaster County Founders, and was named Distinguished Pioneer Family in 1967.
Family members include her son Steven (Crystal) Essman, Ong; daughters Sandra (Roger) Ohlrich, Lincoln and Jean (Kim) Cox. Purdum; 4 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild on the way; sisters Jacki (Jack) Nispel, Houston, TX and Suzanne Barrett, Lincoln. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Willard, brother Dick Amos, son-in-law Ron Mehaffie.
Graveside service: 10:00 am Monday, July 22, 2024, Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6800 S. 14th Street. Please meet at gate #2.
Memorials to The Monarch for the Benevolent Fund, 4201 S. 78th, Lincoln, NE 68506.