JoAnn Epping

1941 - 2025

JoAnn Epping

May 16, 1941 - January 16, 2025

JoAnn Kay Epping, 83 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at CHI Health Good Samaritan from injuries sustained in a car pedestrian accident in Kearney, Nebraska.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 22, 2025, at Horner Liske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney, Nebraska, from 4 to 6 p.m. Following the visitation there will be a gathering of family and friends at the American Legion in Kearney. Private interment of cremated remains will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established in JoAnn's honor and kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

JoAnn was born on May 16, 1941, the second of three children of James and Eleanor (Heidemann) Johnson in Holdrege, Nebraska. She attended school in Holdrege and graduated with the class of 1959. Following high school she worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Holdrege.

On October 15, 1960, she married Neil Epping and to this union three children were born, Kristi, Timothy and Jennifer. They made their home on a farm north of Holdrege where they engaged in farming. They later divorced and JoAnn and Jennifer moved to Kearney, Nebraska.

While living in Kearney she was employed at Good Samaritan Health Center in the Environmental Services Department for 29 years. It was during this time that she met Arvon Marlett in late 1984 and she and Jennifer moved to his farm near Newark, Nebraska, in 1986. The three of them enjoyed farm life and spending time with the grandchildren whenever they could. Arvon preceded her in death in July of 2007 and a few years later she and Jennifer moved back to Kearney.

In 2009 she met Otto Osborne of Wood River. They enjoyed traveling together, going to the great grandkid's activities and spending time with their family and friends. Otto preceded her in death in 2020.

JoAnn's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life. Christmas Eve was one of her favorite times as everyone gathered at her house and she got to see everyone all together. JoAnn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney. She was also a member of the Eagles and the Legion and enjoyed spending time there with Jennifer and her friends.

Besides Arvon and Otto, she was preceded in death by her parents, James and Eleanor Johnson; her sister, Janice Upson; her brother-in-law, Margle Upson; her nephew, Shane Upson; former spouse, Neil Epping.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Kristi Carlson and her husband Brad of rural Minden, Tim and his wife Tammy of rural Kearney, and daughter Jennifer of Kearney; grandchildren, Amie (Smith) Bell and her husband Kyle of rural Oxford, Spencer Smith of Denver, Colorado, Jon Epping of Albion, Tyann Urbina, of Omaha, Tragg and Taelynn Taylor of Ravenna; step grandchildren, Chelsea Carlson and her significant other Dan Newberry of Omaha, Grant Carlson and his wife Kenzie of Vilnius, Lithuania, and Bryce Carlson of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, JJ, Quincy, Halle, Maddex, and Kamden of rural Oxford, and Tucker and Avery Urbina of North Platte.

JoAnn will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She enjoyed visiting with everyone she encountered. She was loved by many and will truly be missed.

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl

Kearney, Neb.