Joanne Lussman

Joanne Lussman, 77, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa with Dusty at her side. Joanne Hartman was born August 11, 1936 in Lakefield, Minnesota, the daughter of Sherman and Leona (Schroeder) Hartman. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield on October 4, 1936 and was later confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake by Reverend Mueller. As a child she enjoyed roller skating, 4-H and going to Gene Autry movie shows. She graduated as class valedictorian from Excelsior Consolidated High School in 1954. While working at Citizens Bank in Storm Lake, Joanne met the love of her life, Dusty. On February 23, 1958 Joanne was united in marriage to Darwin Lussman in Sioux Valley, Minnesota. Together, they were blessed with five children. Joanne was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. She was active in Ladies Aid, Christian Fellowship and the church library. She was a dedicated church secretary for 22 years, retiring in 2000. She was called back for numerous encore performances when the church needed. One of the most important things to Joanne was bearing witness to her strong faith. Her loving kindness comforted many a soul. Family was very important to Joanne. She was a dedicated fan at their sporting events, concerts and school performances. She loved to bake yummy homemade bread, donuts, pastries and cinnamon rolls. She crocheted and shared many afghans. Joanne was a talented seamstress who could be found at her sewing machine until 2 a.m. before Christmas and Easter putting final touches on outfits for her children. She also hosted the inaugural card club with church friends which continued for many a decade. She could be found at the Cobblestone and Roof Garden dancing her favorite, the Two Step. Joanne's passion for vegetable and flower gardening added beauty to the farm. She was an avid bell collector and served as President of the Iowa Bell Association. She was honored to display historical bells at the Iowa State Capitol for the Sesquicentennial. She loved to travel near and far visiting family. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Darwin Lussman of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Mark (Darlene) Lussman of Storm Lake, Iowa; Carolyn (Glen) Armstrong of Albert City, Iowa; Sarah Lussman (partner, Lori Stirn) of Hood River, Oregon; Nadine Lussman (Wouter Koedam) of Arzier, Switzerland; Connie (Curt) Reis of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Matt (Sara) Lussman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Jeff Lussman (fiancee, Angie Willer) of Storm Lake, Iowa; Jessica (Scott) Bettin of Holstein, Iowa; Randi Armstrong (special friend, Kegan Paul) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Kerri (Josh) Suhr of Albert City, Iowa; Ivonne and Isabelle Koedam of Arzier, Switzerland; Christopher Reis (fiancee, Jenni Files) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Caycee Reis of Spencer, Iowa; great grandchildren: Kiptyn Lussman; Chloe and Blaine Suhr; sisters: Rosemary (Garth) Penrod of Boise, Idaho; Wanda (Chuck) Untiedt of Lakefield, Minnesota; extended family and many friends. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Fredrick Hartman.

Joanne Lussman

August 11, 1936 - May 6, 2014