E. Joan Gangestad

Evelyn Joan Gangestad was born March 15, 1924 at Portsmouth, Iowa, the daughter of William and Anna Greiner Feser. She received her education at the St. Mary Catholic School in Portsmouth. On November 18, 1946, Joan was united in marriage with Jerrold Gangestad at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville, Iowa. Their union was blessed with eleven children: Mary Lou, Michael, Gary, Juliann, Joyce, David, Daniel, William, Paul, Christine, and Jean. They made their home on a farm in Portsmouth and later farmed in the Ute and Charter Oak area. In 1976 they retired and moved to Denison. Joan was a loving wife and mother. In her spare time she enjoyed baking, gardening, and volunteer work. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison for 19 years and assisted with Tuesday night bingo at St.Rose for 12 years with Jerrold. Joan died Wednesday evening, October 26, 2011 at the Eventide Lutheran Nursing Home in Denison, Iowa with her loving family at her side. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 87 years, 7 months and 11 days. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Jerrold, son Michael, and one sister Marjorie Ohlinger. Those remaining to cherish her memory include ten children: Mary Lou Mayo of Clayton, New Mexico; Dr. Gary Gangestad of Dow City, Iowa; Juliann Gray and friend Mark Beery of Clarinda, Iowa; Joyce and husband Mike Gray of Minden, Iowa; David Gangestad of Charter Oak, Iowa; Daniel Gangestad and wife Tammy of Vail, Iowa; William Gangestad and wife Becky of Soldier, Iowa; Paul Gangestad of Surprise, Arizona; Christine Martin and friend Scott Hollander of Denison, Iowa; and Jean Francois and friend Chad Borst of Denison, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; 3 sisters: Mary Ann Feser of Earling, Iowa; Mildred Lang of Omaha, Nebraska; Joyce and husband Leonard Graeve of Harlan, Iowa; 2 brothers: Floyd Feser of Harlan, Iowa and Mark Feser of Earling, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2011 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison with Father Paul Kelly as Celebrant. Others participating in the mass included Servers: Dawson Evers and Cory Miller; Lector: Michaela Gray; Gift Bearers: Dan, Tammy, and Rachael Gangestad; and Eucharistic Minister: Darlene Reis. Music for the Mass included St. Rose of Lima Adult Choir singing “Amazing Grace”, “How Great Thou Art”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, and “Let There Be Peace On Earth” with Jean Cornelius serving as organist. Pallbearers included: Jacob Francois, Shawn Gray, John Martin, James Gangestad, Ryan Gangestad, and Pat Fineran. Following the interment at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Denison, all were invited to the Parish Center for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the St. Rose of Lima Ladies Guild. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements. www.pfannebecker.com