Joan Sterbenz

Joan Elizabeth Sterbenz, 86, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Lexington Park Independent Living.
Joan was born March 1, 1937, in Paxico, Kansas, the daughter of August and Katherine Meinhardt Stork. She graduated from high school in Paxico as Valedictorian of her class in 1955. After high school she moved to Topeka, where she worked as a switchboard operator for the local telephone company. Joan married Robert Sterbenz on June 21, 1958, in Newbury, Kansas; they celebrated almost 65 years of marriage before Robert passed away in 2023. Following Bob's retirement, the couple moved to Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, where they built a beautiful home by the lake and spent much time playing golf. Joan even got a job at the pro shop. She enjoyed being outside, flower gardening, and cross stitching. Joan had a passion for being kind and welcoming to those that needed a place to stay or a seat at a table for the holidays. She liked to entertain and was well known for her homemade cinnamon rolls and peanut brittle. Joan is fondly remembered by her children's friends as being very inclusive and welcoming to them.
Joan is survived by her children, Barb Sterbenz, Denise Hamilton (Roger), Doug Sterbenz (Connie) and Julie Sterbenz; grandchildren, Tricia Lespreance (Adam), Amanda DeForest (Justin), Ryan Hamilton (Steph Carll), Paul Hamilton (Ingrid), Jacob Hamilton (Keelei), Kayla Hamilton (Ryan Sowers), Rachel Sterbenz, Audrey Farnham (Brandon) and John Sterbenz; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Frank Stork, Gus Stork, Mary Ann Wagner, Magdalene Sippel, and Mel Stork.
Services will be on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614. Visitation will start at 9 a.m., Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at a later date in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, Joan's family asks for memorial contributions to be to Christ the King Catholic Church for Mass Intentions. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.