Joan E. Garbers

JOAN E. GARBERS

Van Horne

Joan E. Garbers, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall, with the Rev. Jeffrey Schanbacher and the Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be at the Keystone Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday also at the church in Newhall. A memorial fund has been established.

Joan was born March 29, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Henry L. "Heinie" and Geraldine (Young) Garbers. She graduated from Van Horne High School with the Class of 1959, and Upper Iowa University with a B.A. in education. Joan worked as a teacher in area elementary and middle schools for many years and very much enjoyed her students.

She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall. Joan had a deep love for children, often volunteering to babysit for anyone who needed a break. She was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed history. Sewing and crafting were also special passions. Most of all, spending time with her family was her greatest joy.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Kristin Gandia of Marion, Kara (Bob) Done of Waxhaw, N.C., Kallin (Greg) Mead of Akron, Ohio, and Kerry (Mike) Rathje of Atkins; 11 grandchildren, Mariah (Josh), Jordyn, Isabella, Katareena, Dominic, Ethan, Eric, Emily, Kole, Rose and June; four great-grandchildren, Jayden, Briellie, Kadence and River; and her sister, Jean Kubu of Buffalo, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Gene Kubu; and nephew, Greg Kubu.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.