Joann Engel

JoAnn Engel, 102, of Oakley, KS, passed away on October 3, 2024, in Oakley. She was born on March 20, 1922, in Gove County, KS, to George and Theresia (Lovenstein) Zimmerman. She married Henry Engel on October 10, 1944. They had one week to plan their marriage before he left for the war. After their wedding, they moved to Seattle, where Henry was stationed with the Army. While Henry was overseas, JoAnn returned to Grainfield. Post-war, they settled south of Oakley. They had eight children: Gerrie George of Oakley, Jeanita Losey of Grinnell, KS, Jeanice Hearting of WaKeeney, LaRae Flanary (and husband Marvin) of Temple, TX, Tami Kear of Colorado Springs, CO, Stefanie White of Austin, TX; and two sons, Don Engel (and wife Vickie) of Nixa, MO, and Dennis Engel (and wife Linda) of Oakley, as well as 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

JoAnn's life was dedicated to her family and the farm. She prayed for her children with such devotion that she wore out a prayer book. JoAnn cooked for her eight children and husband, delivered meals to the harvest fields, and milked cows twice a day for 25 years. She washed clothes in a wringer washing machine, sewed all the children's clothes, and assisted her husband whenever he needed help. They made time for dancing and playing cards. Church was always a priority for both JoAnn and Henry. After moving to town, JoAnn enjoyed weekly coffee gatherings with her friends. She had a passion for crafts, dancing, dressing elegantly, and maintaining a beautifully decorated home.

JoAnn was the last surviving child of George and Theresia Zimmerman. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry; siblings Margaret Deges, Jacob Zimmerman, Frances Zerr, Joseph Zimmerman, Victoria Zerr, Anna Mary Heier and Mactie Urich; and grandchild Chelsey Kear.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley. Funeral Mass is 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph School or St. Joseph Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com