JoAnn Johansen, age 65 of Algona, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in her home. Private family services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. A Celebration of JoAnn’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, at Tietz Park Shelter House in Algona. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Algona.
JoAnn Susan (Hix) Johansen came into the world on November 28th, 1958, to Arthur & Alice (Smith) Hix. After a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, Tuesday, May 21st, 2024, JoAnn passed in her home surround by loved ones.
Born in Sexton, Iowa, JoAnn spent majority of her school years at Sentral School in Fenton, Iowa. Growing up with five siblings, the household was busy, and JoAnn often followed her older brothers into misadventure. Head strong like her father; she was not afraid of paving her own path. Working full time while finishing high school, it wasn’t until 21 that she began her next chapter.
In 1977, JoAnn met Denny Johansen. A young man from Ringsted, Denny ran in the same circles and wasn’t afraid of JoAnn’s brothers like most. In November 1979 they married at St. John’s Lutheran church in Ringsted, Iowa. Not long after they welcomed their first daughter Christine, and Carly followed two years later. Bringing their family to a whole, their third child, Chealsey would come two years after.
JoAnn worked in many professions. As a jack of all trades, any task JoAnn was given would be met with creativity, persistence and a “get it done” attitude. From home childcare provider to Para-educator at Algona schools, or construction secretary at Story Construction to program director for Kossuth Connections, JoAnn brought order to chaos. She had a spark that drew people to her, and a love of reading and thirst for knowledge which guaranteed many debates in good fun, and deep conversations solving the world’s problems.
As grandchildren were brought into the world, JoAnn doted on each one. Weekends and weeks during the summer, time at “Grandma Camp” was cherished. Time away from the grandkids found Denny and JoAnn traveling with her siblings to Mississippi, Arizona, Alaska, and even Mexico. From Texas to Europe, and a few places between, they often traveled to see their youngest daughter when she moved. At home, JoAnn enjoyed sewing, crafting, and helping Denny with various remodeling projects around the home.
Left to cherish her memory, are Husband Dennis Johansen; Daughters, Christine (Brian) Reiter-Klein, Carly (Mike) Prior, Chealsey (Kevin) Lynch, and Nephew Chad Hix. Grandchildren Evan Reiter, Kainan Reiter, Gavin Prior, Grant Prior, Olivia Reiter, Sam Hix and Kelly Reiter. Siblings Sharon (Doug) Marty, George (Cindy) Hix, Duane (Sandy) Hix, Janett (Michael) Kline, Brother-in-law David (Jeanie) Johansen. Along with many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.
Proceeded in death by her parents Arthur & Alice Hix, in-laws Herluf & Betty Johansen, brother David Hix, nephews Ashley and David Jr. Hix, Son in law Marcus Reiter,
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Joann’s name to Kossuth County Cancer or Hospice of the Heartland.
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