Joanne spent her early childhood years on the family farm where her love of nature and animals blossomed. At the age of 7 her family moved to Eagle. It was then that she met a boy named Clifford “Andy” Anderson, Jr. who became her childhood sweetheart and eventually her husband. Joanne graduated from Eagle High School in 1951 and went to work for Golds department store in Lincoln, and then as a dental assistant for Dr. Pearson, Sr.
On March 7, 1954 Joanne and Andy were married at the home of her parents. That same spring the newlyweds embarked on a journey as Andy played professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs minor leagues. They lived in Texas, Idaho, Iowa, and Pennsylvania while Andy played ball.
In 1959 they decided to make Lincoln their home and start a family. The couple had two sons and Joanne devoted her time to raising the boys. Andy’s career with Nebraska Public Power District moved the family to North Platte, NE in 1972, and then on to Columbus, NE in 1975. As their sons became old enough, Joanne went back to work as a secretary at Nebraska Public Power District for nearly 10 years. Joanne and Andy lived out their retirement years together in Columbus. In June of 2019 Joanne moved to Overland Park, KS to be nearer to her son Scott’s family and was thrilled to be able to visit her great granddaughter regularly.
Joanne found great joy in her love for her friends and family. She enjoyed hosting at her home. Whether it be a Holiday or Birthday dinner, a coffee club, a card party, or having friends over for cocktails, Joanne always put out the welcome mat. No one ever left Joanne’s house hungry! Some of her favorites were homemade beef and noodles, knip (a family recipe passed down through generations), and desserts of any kind, but especially homemade ice cream. In her later years Joanne cherished calls, visits, cards and letters to and from her loved ones. Joanne was known as being an eternal optimist. She always found a positive thought to share with others.
Family members include her sons Scott (Deb) Anderson, Overland Park, KS and Steve (Shawna) Anderson, Kearney, NE; Grandsons Brian, Tim (Brittany), Jeff Anderson; great granddaughter Ryan Anderson, sister-in-law Carol Norris; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford (Andy), her parents, sister Lucille Mahaffey, and brother Richard Norris.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O Street Lincoln, NE.
Memorials to American Cancer Society and Great Plains SPCA.