Christensen, Joanne Irene (Jackson) (1932 - 2024)

CHRISTENSEN, JACKSON, STEWART, SCHMITZ, CERKA, DICKEL

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 4/5/2024 at 15:22:23

Name of deceased: Joanne Irene Christensen (nee Jackson)

Aged: 92 yrs, 2 mo, 14 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: Jan. 3, 1932; Eagle Grove, Wright County, IA

Died: March 17, 2024; Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA

Funeral services: Saturday, March 23, 2024; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, IA; burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Children, Brian Christensen of Harlan, IA, Bruce Christensen of Harlan, IA, Ray (spouse, Candace) Christensen of Littleton, CO, Diane Stewart of Harlan, IA, and Jan (spouse, Leon) Schmitz of Parkville, MO; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Maynard and Ruby Irene (nee Cerka) Jackson; husband, Robert Christensen; grandson, Ethan Stewart; sister, Voleta Dickel

Education: Graduated from high school in Rhodes, IA; 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.

Religious affiliation: Long-time active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, IA: she sang in the choir, served as a bell ringer, was involved in the women’s circle groups, taught Sunday School, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), sewed mission baby quilts, and also started a Bunko group.

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Robert D. Christensen; Aug. 14, 1955; location not provided

Employment: After graduating from Iowa Teacher’s College, Joanne began teaching shorthand and typing at Harlan (IA) High School. After their marriage, Robert and Joanne began farming southwest of Harlan, IA.

Hobbies/Interests: 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 enjoyed many years of involvement with the Shelby County (IA) Fair, and 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, IA, being outdoors, gardening, sewing, and baking (particularly with apples from her front yard) and making potato salad. She especially loved the time when she could babysit for her grandchildren.

Sources: kjan.com; pauleyjones.com