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Joanne Sothmann, age 94, of Wilton, Iowa, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, at Wilton Retirement Community. Private services will be held. Burial will take place in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. Joanne was born on June 11, 1931, the daughter of Joseph and Leona (Sambdman) Dutton in Walcott, Iowa. She graduated from Wapello High School with the Class of 1948. Joanne married Elmer E. Johnson on July 22, 1951 in Davenport, Iowa. Elmer passed away on February 18, 1984. She later married Charles J. Sothmann on February 2, 1989. He passed away on February 6, 2009. Joanne built a long and respected career with the State of Iowa, serving as a secretary and office supervisor. She retired in 1989 from the Iowa Department of Human Services, concluding many years of faithful service to the people of Iowa. Outside of her professional life, Joanne found great joy in playing cards. She was a passionate and skilled player who belonged to numerous card clubs. She was also a proud member of Mohassan Caldron No. 2 in Davenport, where she enjoyed fellowship and community involvement. Joanne will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her warm smile, and the friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Her presence at the card table and in the community will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Joanne is survived by her daughter, Merlyn Wilson of Chapel Hill, Tennessee; stepsons, Gregg, Mark and Kurt Sothmann; several grandchildren, great grandchildren; and one sister, Carla Thurston of Wilton. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Leona; husbands, Elmer Johnson and Charles Sothmann; son, John J. Johnson; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Larry Bender; and a brother-in-law, Bourke Thurston.

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