Petersen, JoAnn (nee Pospichal)

1928 - Jul 27, 2015

Born to Prokop and Alba Pospichal of Omaha, NE, JoAnn spent her childhood alternating between the city life of Omaha and summers on the family farm. In 1945, JoAnn took the train alone, to a college she had never seen. Her years at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL provided her with a teaching degree and close friendships she would treasure for the rest of her life. She returned to Omaha to teach at South High. It was there that she met a North High teacher, David K. Petersen, at a teachers' convention. They married in 1955, and had three children – Joan, Janet and Jack. The family made its home in Omaha where Dave continued to teach, but educational opportunities during long summer breaks made road trips a part of life. Entire summers were spent at Brown University (Providence, R.I.) and UCLA (Los Angeles). Upon retirement, Dave and JoAnn's wanderlust blossomed. They traveled to Germany, Alaska and Hawaii, and attended many Elderhostels. They also established homes in Green Valley, AZ and Estes Park, CO (at the Good Samaritan Community), as well as the Meridien Community of Englewood, CO. Wherever she went, JoAnn embraced new friends, new skills and new experiences. She loved to read, paint, entertain, play bridge and dance with Dave. She also served through her churches (First United Methodist Church of Omaha and Green Valley Community Church of Green Valley, AZ) JoAnn was a consummate storyteller, always happy to beckon a visitor to her side by saying, "Come sit by me, and we'll talk..." Even as dementia robbed her of so many of the abilities that had given her pleasure, she did retain her ability to tell a story, regaling family, friends and strangers with tales of her life.

JoAnn leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Dave; her children and their spouses: Joan and Fred Burtzos, Janet and Kevin Muhm, and Jack and Debbie Petersen (Rice); six grandchildren: Alex, Ben, Jocelyn, Colin, Kailey and Grant, as well as a great-grandson, Bradley; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bob, and a host of cousins and friends who were dear to her.

A memorial service is planned for October in Estes Park, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to MacMurray College, First United Methodist Church of Omaha or Green Valley Community Church in JoAnn's name.