Joan L. Hester

Joan Lee Hester (86) of Honey Creek, Iowa passed away on November 19, 2019, surrounded by her loving family while listening to the beautiful tenor voice of her deceased husband, Jack. On November 20, 1932, Joan was born in Shelby, Iowa, to Helen and Walt Goshorn. She graduated from Persia High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Hester June 7, 1951 and followed him to the beaches of Florida where he was stationed in the Air Force. Upon his discharge they returned to Iowa and began farming, eventually establishing their home in the Honey Creek, Iowa area in 1953 where they raised their family and where Joan resided until her death. Joan remained fiercely dedicated to her husband for 47 years of marriage, her four daughters and two sons, along with their spouses and offspring. She preferred to have them gathered around her on special occasions where she set a welcoming table for all.

Joan was known for her independent spirit and keen intelligence and accomplished much in her life. She identified herself as a farm wife and for 32 years was highly involved in the business. She was interested and involved in local politics, then from 1985 to 1995, she had the honor of serving in the Iowa State House of Representatives where she served on a variety of committees and introduced significant legislation. She, along with her husband, Jack, an Iowa State senator at the time, became recognized as the only married couple to serve concurrently at the Iowa state capital and holds the distinction to this day.

Joan’s community involvement included local and statewide activities such as: Governor’s appointee to 4th District Judicial Nominating Commission; Government Tax Committee; Mercy Hospital Guild Hospital Craft Room; Hazel Dell United Methodist Church, Nightingale Guild; West Pottawattamie County Farm Bureau, past women’s chair; 4-H Leader of West Pottawattamie County Youth Committee; Superintendent of Home Economics Projects at Westfair, Tri-Center School Committees; Pork Producers; Live and Learn Extension Club; Business and Professional Women; Republican Township Committee; numerous Republican Positions.

Joan is predeceased by her parents and her husband, Jack and survived by her children Diane Hileman (Bill); Denise Baker (Bob); Dave Hester, Ken Hester (Marla); Kandy Thompson (Dan) and Kim Mason (Melanie), her sisters Dee Spengler and Sharon Greenwood, much loved grand-and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many special friends. Joan attended Hazel Dell United Methodist Church and has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent there at: 23109 205th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the service on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with reception following.