JoAnn Henning, one of six children of John and Ruth (Butterfield) Stephens, was born June 29, 1933 on a farm near Pawnee City, Nebraska.
After her family moved to the Brownville, Nebraska area JoAnn graduated from the Brownville High School.
On May 27, 1956 JoAnn was united in marriage to Johnielee Henning in Brownville. They were blessed with two children, Stephen and Shawn, and would eventually make their home in Beatrice, Nebraska.
JoAnn worked as a telephone operator until shortly after her marriage to John, and also worked for 15 years in the nursery at Beatrice Community Hospital. Her main focus, however, was taking care of her children and running the household.
To fill her spare time JoAnn had many interests which included crafts, sewing, cooking, camping, and tending to her flowers and garden. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, and coffee with the ladies in her neighborhood was a favorite. JoAnn also liked to babysit the children of close friends and family.
As a result of a terminal illness, JoAnn passed away at her home, with family around her, on Monday, December 13, 2010. She had attained the age of 77 years, 5 months, and 14 days. Her parents, brothers Robert, Ivan ?Andy?, Fred, Marvin ?Mutt?, sister Myrle Tunks, and son Stephen John Charles Henning preceded her in death.
JoAnn is survived by her husband John of Beatrice; son Shawn of Prairie Village, KS; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were Friday, December 17, 2010 at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Art Chapin. Special pre-recorded music was played. Pallbearers were Gene Martin, Shawn Henning, Fritz Henning, Alan Henning, John Henning, and Joel Henning. Burial was in Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer?s Association.