Joanne Potter

Joanne Potter

August 20, 1935 - May 30, 2025

Elkhorn - Joanne Helen Potter, a devoted registered nurse who cared for patients across three states and embraced a life of family, faith, and travel, died peacefully in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 30, 2025. She was 89.

Joanne was born on August 20, 1935, in St. Cloud, MN to John and Gertrude Rengel and was the fourth of six siblings. She graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1953 and then earned her nursing credentials at St. Gabriel's School of Nursing in Little Falls, MN in 1956. Joanne's career began at the University of Minnesota Hospital, and then later at Miller Hospital in St. Paul, where she met Lawrence "Larry" Potter. Joanne's nursing career spanned more than four decades and included roles in Minnesota, Nebraska, and California. She retired at the age of 70 but never stopped caring for others.

Joanne and Larry married in October of 1961, and Joanne adopted Larry's four sons from his previous marriage, Craig, Tim, Scott, and Joel. Joanne and Larry had three children, Michelle, Brian, and Stacy. The family relocated from Rochester, MN to Omaha, NE in 1965, where Joanne and Larry spent over 2 decades together. After Larry's retirement in 1986, they moved to Santa Maria, California, where they spent more than 30 years traveling the country and exploring the world. Their time in Santa Maria was some of the best years of their lives and provided great memories for the entire family. Following Larry's death, Joanne returned to Omaha in 2018 and continued traveling to see family until 2024.

Joanne is survived by her children, Craig, Tim, Scott, Joel, Michelle, Brian, and Stacy; 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Donna Eller; brothers Donald ("Fritz") and John Rengel; and many nieces and nephews. Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers, Robert and Charles.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (18602 W. Maple Rd.) Elkhorn, NE. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Reichmuth Funeral Home (21901 W. Maple Rd.) Elkhorn, NE. Vigil Service will be at 6:00pm Sunday at the Funeral Home.

Nursing Honors provided by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to EWTN Radio or St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Elkhorn, NE.