Joanne Irene Christensen
January 3, 1932 — March 17, 2024
Joanne Irene Christensen, daughter of Maynard and Ruby Irene (Cerka) Jackson, was born January 3, 1932, in Eagle Grove, Iowa. She grew up and graduated from Rhodes, Iowa. After high school, Joanne graduated from Iowa Teacher's College now known as the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa earning her teacher's certificate. She began work at Harlan High School teaching shorthand and typing. While in Harlan, she met her future husband.
On August 14, 1955, Joanne was united in marriage to Robert D. Christensen. They were the parents of five children: Brian, Bruce, Ray, Diane, and Jan. After their marriage, Robert and Joanne began farming southwest of Harlan. While her children were growing up, Joanne served as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and was active in 4-H sewing activities.
Joanne was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was active in many groups. She sang in the choir and served as a bell ringer. She was involved in the circle groups, taught Sunday School for many years, MOPS, sewed the Mission Baby quilts, and also started a Bunko group.
With her many years of involvement with the Shelby County Fair, she was honored with induction into their Hall of Fame. Joanne was also a member of the SI Club, Rebekkah's, Eastern Star, and Book Club.
Joanne enjoyed trips to the cabin in Lake View, being outdoors, gardening, sewing, and baking, especially with apples from her front yard and potato salad. She especially loved the time when she could babysit for her grandchildren.
She passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, attaining the age of ninety-two years, two months, and fourteen days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Christensen, grandson Ethan Stewart, and sister Voleta Dickel.
She is survived by her children Brian Christensen of Harlan, Iowa; Bruce Christensen of Harlan; Ray (Candace) Christensen of Littleton, Colorado; Diane Stewart of Harlan; Jan (Leon) Schmitz of Parkville, Missouri; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; other family members; and friends.
On August 14, 1955, Joanne was united in marriage to Robert D. Christensen. They were the parents of five children: Brian, Bruce, Ray, Diane, and Jan. After their marriage, Robert and Joanne began farming southwest of Harlan. While her children were growing up, Joanne served as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and was active in 4-H sewing activities.
Joanne was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was active in many groups. She sang in the choir and served as a bell ringer. She was involved in the circle groups, taught Sunday School for many years, MOPS, sewed the Mission Baby quilts, and also started a Bunko group.
With her many years of involvement with the Shelby County Fair, she was honored with induction into their Hall of Fame. Joanne was also a member of the SI Club, Rebekkah's, Eastern Star, and Book Club.
Joanne enjoyed trips to the cabin in Lake View, being outdoors, gardening, sewing, and baking, especially with apples from her front yard and potato salad. She especially loved the time when she could babysit for her grandchildren.
She passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, attaining the age of ninety-two years, two months, and fourteen days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Christensen, grandson Ethan Stewart, and sister Voleta Dickel.
She is survived by her children Brian Christensen of Harlan, Iowa; Bruce Christensen of Harlan; Ray (Candace) Christensen of Littleton, Colorado; Diane Stewart of Harlan; Jan (Leon) Schmitz of Parkville, Missouri; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; other family members; and friends.
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