JoAnn Haafke

JoAnn Haafke, 87, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at University of Nebraska Medical Center.

JoAnn Haafke was born on August 10, 1938 in Sioux City, IA to Herman A. & M. Jeanette (Foote) Haafke. She taught kindergarten at Belvedere Elementary in Omaha, then took on a dual role as afternoon kindergarten and principal at Ponca Elementary. She retired in 2000.

On August 24, 2002, she married William (Bill) Anderson of Omaha, NE. They made great travel companions and shared a mutual adoration of their dog, Lily. They were married almost ten years before Bill’s passing in 2012.

She genuinely loved her students, co-workers, and was a Ponca Raccoon through and through! She enjoyed being an active part of the Castle Crew and attending the Retired Teachers’ luncheons. She was truly a people person and rarely went anywhere without running into a former student, co-worker or friend. She was an avid sports fan and was especially fond of the Huskers!

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: William; brothers: Donald, Richard, and Raymond; and sister: Donna. She was also preceded in death by brother-in-law: Wayne; step-son: Lou; and niece: Carolyn. She is survived by extended family and her many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Visitation 1:00 - 3:00 PM Sunday (3/15/2026) at Roeder Mortuary - 2727 N. 108th St. Omaha, Nebraska; Burial at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Fontenelle Forest or Nebraska Humane Society.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel - 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com