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Joann Veleber Obituary
Joann Carol Rikansrud Veleber
Joann was born in Bremerton, Washington in 1946 to Ernest and Mary Rikansrud. She graduated from Highline High School in 1964, Central Washington University in 1968 and obtained her Masters in Adult Education from Western Washington University in 1985. She began a long teaching career after her graduation from Central Washington that lasted until 2007, when she retired as a Spanish teacher from Lakewood High School in Arlington, Washington.
Joann will be remembered by her family and those who knew her as a strong and positive person who loved and cared for all. She fulfilled every role she played to the utmost, as a dedicated daughter, loving wife, inspiring teacher, joyful and accepting mother and faithful friend.
Throughout her life she brought people together using her sharp wit and wisdom. An intellectual at heart, she had a love of reading and an intense interest in learning. Her retirement years were spent traveling around the world and sharing time with friends and family.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, John; daughter, Jamie (Aaron) Calhoun; son, Jeremy (Jenny) Veleber; son, Joseph (Susan) Veleber; sisters, Delores Sjostrom and Doris Rainer; and five grandchildren who were the light of her life, Noah, Molly, Samuel, Cole and Meredith; two granddogs; as well as multiple nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street, Blaine, WA at 1:00 p.m. with final interment at Acacia Memorial Park, Seattle, WA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Washington, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Box 356460, Seattle, WA 98195.
You may share your memories and thoughts of Joann at www.farewelltributes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joann Veleber
Carl Erickson
November 30, 2012
Dear John, Jamie, Jeremy, Joseph,and families, So sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. It was always a highlight of my summers as a child to get to see the Rikunsrunds and Velebers. May God's love help you through this difficult time.
Carl Erickson and Family
Gary & Carmen Sibley
November 20, 2012
John & family,
We are so grateful for the many years we've spent in Bible studies and dinners with Joann & you. She was an inspiration to us. Praying that the Lord would give you peace & comfort.
November 19, 2012
John and Family,
We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for you and your family. We remember Joann fondly as a wonderful, caring individual, such a lovely lady! May the Lord surround you with His comfort and love.
Don and Marilyn Carter
Monday Cancer Group
November 17, 2012
Joann we will miss you and keep you in our hearts. We are so grateful for sharing your process and love with us. Our prayers to her family.
Tara Gates
November 17, 2012
Joanne drove me in her Lexus to scaa
Three years ago. She was a bright star for me.
One of a kind. Peace to all who knew her.
Kerensa (Joann Veleber Bookclub)
November 16, 2012
Joann made me feel so welcomed during my first years of teaching at Lakewood HS and was always willing to share her stories. She was always the first to ask how I was doing whenever I saw her. I will miss her passion and her laughter. God Bless to her family.
Monique
November 16, 2012
Dear John,
We never met but I was in the YMCA exercise class with your wife, and she was a lovely woman! She talked about you and her children, and grandchildren with such pride. Please accept my condolences!
Monique
Tamara Ketchell
November 15, 2012
I will miss Joann's quick wit, upbeat attitude and her perspective in book club. She was always very caring and gracious. She made me feel welcome when I first arrived at Lakewood High School in 1992 and then as one of the original Joann Veleber Book Club members. My heart goes out to your family. She was an inspiration to us all.
November 14, 2012
Dear John, We were so shocked and sorry to hear of Joann's passing. She was so vibrant and happy and always had a ready smile...from the day I first met her at CWSC to the last time we saw her on the Island. Our prayers go out to you and your family, John.
Love, John and Sue (Thorsen) Keawe
November 14, 2012
John, We just heard about your dear Joann. Just to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry. Sending our love, Chuck & Zoe Coplin.
Cassie
November 14, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Joann. She had a quick wit and was a hard worker. I especially enjoyed the loving way she talked about her husband and family. This is a big loss.
Julie Havens
November 14, 2012
Senora Velber was a great influence on all of Lakewood High School. The only language offering we had, many of us couldn't have graduated without her. Love to her family. Does anyone remember their 'name' in her class? Mine was "Esperanza" :) God bless.
November 14, 2012
Joann was a very strong, courageous and inspiring person, with a great sense of humor and a very big heart. She'll be greatly missed by all.
Robin Barker
JoAnne Cassingham
November 13, 2012
John and Family. I will miss Joann's wonderful smile and jubilant personality and the interesting conversations and friendship that I have had with her over the years. She has been a blessing to many of us that worked with her. She was always upbeat no matter what the situation might be. She was so much fun and always found humor in all situations. I know Heaven must be glowing since she arrived. She is going to be missed by many. I pray for God to comfort you and your family during this very difficult time.
November 13, 2012
How could we not miss Joann? Her vibrant and kind spirit made those around her feel the joy of living. Gretchen ( from the Joann Veleber Book Club)
Rachel Michaels
November 13, 2012
I'm so sad to see that Mrs. Veleber passed away. She passed the same week as my mom which is why I noticed when looking and my mom's obit. Mrs. Veleber was my Spanish teacher at Lakewood in the 90s. She was smart and fun.
November 12, 2012
I will miss Joann's enthusiasm, her unending smile, and her friendly greetings at book club and retiree lunches. She has taught all of us how to remain upbeat and positive when facing adversity. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Shirley Osterman
Cindy Broughton
November 12, 2012
John and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 12, 2012
Joann Veleber was such a kind,thoughtful person, a dynamic teacher leader, and a master educator. We all feel diminished by her loss. She will live on in our memories. Much Love, Megan Fite (Camano Island, WA.)
November 12, 2012
The world is surely diminished by the loss of Joann. I have not seen Joann for many years, but I can still recall the quality of her kindness, the excellence of her intelligence and the profound, deep love she felt for her husband, her children (and grandchildren) and her friends. My most heartfelt condolences to all who love and miss her.
Kathy Ernst, Bellingham
Sandy Thompson
November 12, 2012
Joann made me feel so welcome in the book club that I joined. She was warm and welcoming to me. She was a wonderful and loving lady. Along with many others, I will miss her very much.
Andrea
November 11, 2012
Despite the deep sadness we feel at your passing, Joann, we cannot suppress a smile for the gifts of love, joy, and wonder you gave so freely to every life you touched. I miss you, my friend.
Chris Milless
November 11, 2012
I was very saddened to learn about Mrs. Veleber's passing. Joann was my Spanish teacher for two years in high school in the early 90's. She was a kind, caring, and thoughtful educator that will truly be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
November 11, 2012
Mrs. Velebar was my spanish teacher for 3 years. Even though like the rest of the kids, I gave her a hard time in class, she was always so patient and kind. A true gem, who will be missed.
Patti
November 11, 2012
Joann was such an inspiration to me. She always had such a positive outlook on everything. She will be missed. My love and support goes to her family.
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