Joan M. Maack

Joan M. Maack

September 30, 1959 – April 14, 2020

 

Joan Marie (Splittgerber) Maack passed away on April 14, 2020.  She died peacefully surrounded by family after a 3 ½ year journey with glioblastoma.

Joan is survived by her husband, Kurt; daughters, Laura Beshaler (Aaron) and Emily Saucier (Matt); grandchildren: Archer and Penelope Beshaler and Benjamin Saucier; mother, Shirley Splittgerber; sisters, Karen Kelley and Linda Kenedy; nieces: Kylie, Cassie, and Erica, and nephews: Michael, Jonathan, and Billy.  She is preceded in death by her father, Ed and her brother, Gary.

Joan had a long and successful career as an accountant and controller, most recently with Interiors by Joan, where she was able to combine her accounting skillset with her love for design, color, and making beautiful things.  Joan diligently worked to earn her CPA in her 50’s, fueled by iced tea and a good deal of perseverance.  It is a testament to her contentment with personal and professional life that, when diagnosed in 2016, her biggest desire was to continue living and working as normal.

Joan was active at Rejoice! Lutheran Church, and she will be missed by a large group of lifelong “church friends.”  She also formed lasting friendships at work and through her children.  Joan was a delight to be around and was gregarious and loving with friends and family.  She loved to dine out, read books in the sun, drink wine, and socialize with Kurt and friends.  She loved traveling, particularly to the mountains, where she found much joy and peace.

Above all, Joan was an amazing wife of 38 years, mother, and family member.  She was unfailingly patient and willing to help before one could even formulate a request.  She shared an especially close relationship with her daughters, talking with them daily.  She was ecstatic when she first learned she would become a grandma and watching her three grandchildren grow brought her great joy.  She survived to learn about grandchild #4 in her last weeks, and the news always made her light up.

Despite the hardships associated with her cancer, Joan remained graceful, humble, and kind throughout.  She never lost her sense of style, her quiet strength, her compassion for others, or her ability to laugh at the little things.  The family is grateful for the wonderful care Joan received from Nebraska Medicine, as well as in-home caregivers and hospice workers.  All who she encountered along the way were touched by her spirit and strength, and she will be remembered well by those of us lucky enough to have journeyed with her.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held when we are able to gather as a community to celebrate Joan.  At that time, we request that everyone wear beautiful, brightly colored clothing as Joan would have wanted, and join us in celebrating the amazing light she brought to the world.  Memorials may be directed to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and Rejoice! Lutheran Church.

 

25 Comments

  • Sheryl Holt Posted April 16, 2020 4:16 pm

    This is such a sadness. It is hard to let go and realize you will never feel her touch again. Cling to those feelings and memories.

  • Tom and Sher Hughes Posted April 16, 2020 4:25 pm

    So very sad to hear of Joan’s passing. She was so very sweet and fun and we loved her contagious laughter… Your family is in our prayers

  • Cheryl Griess Posted April 16, 2020 4:32 pm

    Kurt, Emily and Laura – I am so sad, my heart hurts for all of you and those who loved Joan! Can’t imagine your incredible sense of loss these days! Joan was an incredible lady, and she and you Kurt raised two amazing, compassionate, caring daughters who inherited her great sense of faith, importance of family and sense of humor.

    In Christ,
    Lee and Cheryl Griess
    Please know Lee and I keep you all and your families in our thoughts and prayers. May God surround you all with the peace and comfort only God can provide!

  • Mark and Marjie Harberg Posted April 16, 2020 4:36 pm

    So sorry to
    Hear this news and our prayers are with her family. Joan was a wonderful person and felt blessed to have known her. Please let us know about memorial when scheduled as we want to attend.

  • Brad and Deb Atkins Posted April 16, 2020 5:21 pm

    Joan’s smile and laugh were contagious . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • John M Jachym Posted April 16, 2020 5:25 pm

    My deepest sympathy for you and your family Kirk. Joan was a lovely person and I will miss her greatly.

  • Ingrid Tate Posted April 16, 2020 5:31 pm

    I had the distinct pleasure of working with Joan at Interiors Joan for several years. Her intelligence and ability to work with others in a kind and caring way was a true testament to the person she was. I always enjoyed her sense of humor, and yes, her sense of style! I have missed her from the day this terrible disease took her from the job she rocked each and every day! I know she was truly blessed by the family she loved. I consider myself blessed to have known her.

  • Michelle Christensen Posted April 16, 2020 5:41 pm

    Kurt and family my deepest condolences. I truly enjoyed getting to know Joan and the love you shared was seen by all around you.

  • Linda Hardy Posted April 16, 2020 5:59 pm

    Sending love to all of you. What a blessing that she was able to meet and love her grand babies!

  • Joanna webster Posted April 16, 2020 6:47 pm

    My heart goes out to all of you. I will never forget meeting her and seeing the love radiating from her for her daughters and grandchildren. She was such a beautiful lady both inside and out and I know she will be greatly missed. I can’t imagine how much your hearts have broken but know you have had the blessing of never taking any moments for granted. She was a very lucky lady indeed to be so loved .

  • VALERIE & RENE’ KNAPP Posted April 16, 2020 7:24 pm

    Emily, Matt, and little Ben, We are so sorry to hear about your mom. We’ll be keeping all of you and your’s in our prayers. I know this has been a long road for you, but I know your mom will always be with you, free of any illness, watching over all of you. Love you!!

  • Marian Weber Hughes Posted April 16, 2020 7:26 pm

    I am so sorry to hear this. Sending prayers and hugs to all of you. Joan was my roommate at Midland. I was glad to find her on FB and see how her family grew. She was a great person.

  • Jeanne M Myer Posted April 16, 2020 11:26 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing and my heart aches for all of you family members. A very lovely lady has become your angel of God, but know you will all miss her greatly.

  • Tina & Don Molineu Posted April 17, 2020 5:02 am

    We are sad with you today, but our hearts are full because of the example Joan gave us in both her living and her dying. Praying God’s peace and comfort surround you.
    Love, Don and Tina

  • Jan Ginavan Posted April 17, 2020 7:47 am

    Dear Kurt and family,
    My heart aches for you as Joan was such a wonderful person. Love to all of you!
    Jan

  • Martin and Mytty Gamily Posted April 17, 2020 11:24 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

  • Pr Peggy Hall Posted April 17, 2020 1:12 pm

    Joan’s faith and family were her anchors. Praying that you all sense God‘s presence and love directly and through the love and support of family and friends.

  • Margaret Reynolds Ward Posted April 17, 2020 3:45 pm

    I’m grateful that I got to know Joan and Kurt back in the day. She was a good friend, good person, and she is missed.

  • Judy English Posted April 18, 2020 9:43 pm

    Kurt and family,
    Gary and I were so sad to hear of Joan’s passing. We remember times in KC with you going to concerts and that Thanksgiving trip to Rainbow Trail. I was happy that she and I were at RTLC working together. All good memories. Our hearts are with you in these difficult days and we pray for your family.
    With Love, Gary and Judy

  • Shelley Donovan Posted April 18, 2020 9:52 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Laura, I know your mom was a great lady because she raised you to be a great person. You always talked so positively about your mom. Feel my hugs! Shelley

  • Mary Schaaf Posted April 19, 2020 11:05 am

    So sorry to read of Joan’s passing. The family has my deepest sympathy at this time.

  • Mark and Caryl Grorud Posted April 19, 2020 2:53 pm

    Dear Shirley:
    We are saddened to hear of the passing of your daughter Joan. Our deep sympathies to all the family. It is difficult to lose anyone we love. But we know the pain of losing a child as well, and our hearts are with you in this time of loss. May the message of Easter give you the hope and the strength you need in these days to come. Blessings and Peace, to all in Christ’s Name. Pastor Mark and Caryl Grorud, Wilton, CT

  • Lindi Janulewicz Posted April 20, 2020 10:53 am

    Dear Kurt and Family,
    I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Joan. I had the pleasure of working with Joan at Interiors Joan and Associates, and her talent, kindness, capability, spunk, and style made her an instant friend to all of us. Joan was blessed to have such a wonderful and loving family, whom she loved dearly, too. My heart holds you in thought and prayer. I hope that happy memories and the loving thoughts of your many friends bring you comfort.
    With the deepest sympathy… Lindi Janulewicz

  • Janet and Randy Koski Posted April 27, 2020 8:54 am

    Kurt,
    We are sorry for your loss. We will always remember Joan’s great smile and laugh. She will be missed.

    Janet and Randy

  • Don Kluthe Posted May 4, 2020 3:35 pm

    Kurt & Family – Roxanne and my sincerest condolences! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. Heaven is a better place with her now a part of it!

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