JoAnne E. Lubben

JoAnne Elaine (Hawks) Lubben was born on August 31, 1938, to Fieldon and Leona (Johnson) Hawks in a farmhouse northwest of Carleton, Nebraska. She passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, just days before her 87th birthday. JoAnne was baptized on September 13, 1938, in the Methodist Church in Bruning and confirmed there on March 25, 1951. She attended Bruning Public School, where she sang in a quartet and was a standout member of the volleyball team. After graduating in 1956, she studied office work in Omaha, mastering typing—a skill she later admitted she never enjoyed. Her work took her across the country. In Washington, D.C., she served the Navy doing office work for the manufacturing of military equipment. Later in Colorado, she mapped airline flights and weather patterns, often working late hours until the next shift arrived. Eventually, JoAnne returned to Nebraska and began a career in retail, working at Penney’s and Skogmos in Hebron. She especially enjoyed her role as a buyer, traveling to select clothes for the store. It was at Skogmos where she met a handsome customer named Don Lubben—momentously selling him a pair of jeans. Don always liked to say, “I got JoAnne at Skogmos.” Don and JoAnne were married on January 17, 1971, at the Methodist Church in Bruning. They began their life together on a farm near Carleton, where JoAnne joined Zion Lutheran Church to attend with Don. Three years later, they moved east of Bruning to a farmstead, which they called home until a tornado destroyed it in 1984. Displaced for over a year, they rebuilt, filling their new home with love, resilience, and faith. JoAnne and Don were blessed with three children—Monte, Greg, and Jennifer—five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. JoAnne wore many hats throughout her life. While she proudly called herself a farmwife and homemaker, her days were filled with countless responsibilities. She worked side by side with Don in every aspect of farm life, from doing the books to sorting cattle, calving cows, raising bucket calves, and driving the grain truck. Decisions were always made together, and their partnership was the cornerstone of their life. Beyond the farm, JoAnne poured her creativity and acumen into many passions. She was an accomplished china painter, gifting her family with beautiful hand-painted pieces. She also ran a business making thousands of plates and other items for church and town celebrations. She refinished antique furniture and loved the thrill of finding hidden gems and bringing new life to items, while appreciating their craftsmanship and history. She was also deeply committed to education, playing a vital role in securing scholarships for young students to ensure they had opportunities to succeed. For many years, she was a member of the World Organization of China Painters, traveling to several state and world conventions; spearheaded the Bruning Alumni Scholarship Fund; and served on the Thayer County FSA Committee. Faith was central to JoAnne’s life. She taught Sunday school in both the Bruning Methodist Church and Zion Lutheran in Carleton, proudly recalling her ability to manage even the “naughty boys” in her classes. Above all, JoAnne cherished her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved nothing more than holiday gatherings surrounded by those she loved. Such gatherings allowed her to combine family with her second passion: food. JoAnne had a deep appreciation for some good, down-home cooking! She was always the first with a kind word and a supportive compliment for a good dessert! JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, Fieldon & Leona Hawks; brother & sister-in-law, Howard & Myrna Hawks; sister & brother-in-law, Sharon & Eldon Mulligan; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Marge & Bill Harmon; and nephews, Chris Hawks, Tim Hawks, Brian Harmon, and Doug Harmon She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Don Lubben; children, Monte Lubben (Karla), Greg Lubben (Belinda), and Jennifer Tietjen (James); brother, Tom Hawks (HuLaine); sister-in-law, Rhonda Hawks; grandchildren, Cassidy Buescher (Tom), Tanner Lubben, Josh Lubben, Colter Tietjen (Bailee), and Judson Tietjen; and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will deeply miss her warmth, humor, and unwavering love. JoAnne will be remembered for her faith, her creativity, her resilience, and her devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the stories she told, and the love she shared. A Funeral Service for JoAnne was held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Carleton, Nebraska. A Pastor Beth Roegner presided over the service. Deb Pohlmann accompanied the congregation in the singing of “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Amazing Grace.” The recorded selections “Hallelujah” and “On The Jericho Road” were also played during the Funeral. Pallbearers included Tanner Lubben, Josh Lubben, Colter Tietjen, Judson Tietjen, Matt Branting, and Mitch Branting. Honorary Pallbearers included Cassidy Buescher, Thomas Buescher, and Bailee Tietjen. A Graveside Service was held in the Carleton City Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Bruning Alumni Scholarship Fund.

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JoAnne E. Lubben

August 31, 1938 - August 23, 2025