JoAnn LeBaron Obituary

JoAnn (Rosenberger) LeBaron 84, died Sunday (3/15/09) at her home in Lincoln. JoAnn, with her late husband, Dale, founded Lincoln Industries (formerly Lincoln Plating) 56 years ago when they purchased a small plating facility in downtown Lincoln. Since, Lincoln Industries has grown to become the nation's largest finishing company.
Beyond her contributions to the success of Lincoln Industries, JoAnn had a profound impact on the culture and lives of the people of Lincoln. It began more than 50 years ago with Dale and JoAnn's commitment to the cause of young people. Parents to many foster children, they are credited with founding the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, the Nebraska Foster Care Review Board and the Friends of Foster Children Foundation.
JoAnn was often recognized for her service to our community and state. Among those was in 2000 when she was presented the "Distinguished Service Award" by the National Governors' Association. JoAnn was one of four persons to be honored by the nation's governors. Senator Mike Johanns, who was then governor of Nebraska, said at the time, "JoAnn has fought to improve the lives of foster children and helped set a positive course for the lives of many young people. Nebraska is a better, more responsive and compassionate state thanks to the extraordinary efforts of JoAnn."
Survivors include children: Marc and Kathy LeBaron, Lincoln; Marcia and Rick Dickey, Lincoln; Rose and Lane Haberlan, Lincoln; Mike LeBaron, Lincoln; grandchildren: Katie LeBaron; Kassy LeBaron; Jenni Dickey; John and Sarah Dickey; Jimmy Hewitt, all of Lincoln; Shane and Ashley LeBaron, Bluffton, S.C.; brother: Forrest Rosenberger, Hebron.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday (3/17/09) at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Boulevard, Lincoln. Rev. Dr. Andrew L. McDonald officiating. Cremation. No visitation. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln. Condolences may be left at lincolnfh.com. Memorials to Voices For Children in Omaha and the Child Advocacy Center in Lincoln.

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Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Mar. 16 to Mar. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for JoAnn LeBaron

9 Entries

Denise Carlson

March 18, 2009

Dear LeBaron Family,
On behalf of the Nebraska Methodist Alumni Association, I extend our heartfelt condolences. I had the pleasure of taking JoAnn to lunch in November 2007. We had a delightful three hour conversation. She was a lovely lady with such wonderful commitemnt and accomplishments.
Denise Carlson, Director of Alumni Relations

Wanda Thorn

March 18, 2009

The LeBaron family,
I will never forget the kindness shown to me by your mother, She was a wonderful person and friend She gave so much of herself to others. I was blessed to know her and her wonderful family. I will really miss our talks and times together. I am sorry that I wasn't in town for the funeral You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lincoln Industries Cycling Team

March 17, 2009

We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts and hearts are with you during this difficult time.

DiAnna Schimek

March 17, 2009

The children of Nebraska have lost a great friend and advocate. JoAnne's legacy includes the establishment of programs that will continue to help those children who might otherwise be forgotten and those who have been helped by her personal intervention. I feel privileged to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Margaret Blatchford

March 16, 2009

Dear LeBaron Family: I am so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. I served with her on the NFFC Board. She was a great woman who left this world a better place and provided a wonderful legacy for her family. Her fighting spirit and generous heart was an inspiration to me and many. How lucky this world was to have had her.

Cassie & Luke McMann

March 16, 2009

Marcia, Rick, John, Jenni, Sarah & The LeBaron Family -

We were so sad to hear from John today that Grandma Jo had passed. She was a lovely woman and was nothing but kindness to the both of us, just as the rest of your family is. We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sheryl Blakemore

March 16, 2009

Dear Marc,
I was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was an awesome woman. I know my mom played bridge with her and always had wonderful things to say. I know she will be sadly missed. Love, Sheryl Nielsen Blakemore

Betty Beam

March 16, 2009

Remembering Jo.
I really wish we could be at the memorial service tomorrow. We'll certainly be there in Spirit. She lived such a fruitful and exciting life. Her life's journey was "many faceted". She was on a great mission to help the children of the world and it is fitting her memorial service is on St. Patrick's day as a lot of people would consider Jo a Saint.
Jo and Dale had a wonderful partnership which benefited many people in the community.
Her mother was a great lady and Jo always cherished the picture of her mother with her pet squirrel.
She was devoted to caring for her brother Forrest.
Jo always celebrated birthdays at a convenient time which didn't always coincide with the date of birth.
Without hesitation, she once told me her favorite song was Engelbert Humperdink's song "I Saved The Last Waltz For You". Everytime I hear that song I think of Jo.
She will be missed and many will feel fortunate to have known and been a part of here life as have I. She always talked about how she loved to spend time at their home on the lake at Adams, NE.
Fondly,

Andrea Rhoades (Bienka)

March 16, 2009

RoseMary-

Just wanted to tell you so sorry to hear of your Mom passing. This is your old roommate from almost 30 yrs. ago from when we lived on Washington Street. I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and have you in my prayers.

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