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.