Joann Fern Hrabe

Joann Fern Hrabe obituary, Smith Center, KS

Joann Fern Hrabe

Joann Hrabe Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rentschler Family Mortuaries -Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary - Smith Center on Feb. 5, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Joann Fern Hrabe was born on Friday, December 13, 1963, in Quinter, Kansas to Leonard and Linda (Bedore) Hrabe. She passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Republic County Hospital in Belleville, KS at the age of 61. Legend has it, it was 13 below zero and Joann was a breach baby. Sometime in 1964, Leonard, Linda and Joann moved to Smith Center, so Leonard could run the creamery store in downtown Smith Center. Joann went to grade school and high school in Smith Center. She graduated high school in 1982.
From there she spent some time in Texas and then moved back to Kansas and attended vo-tech in Beloit. She worked at the Mitchell County Clerk's Office for several years and then in 2001, she followed in dad's footsteps and started working as a Motor Carrier Inspector in Belleville. She retired in June 2021 after 20 years of service.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Linda Hrabe. Paternal grandparents, Amos and Opal Hrabe and maternal grandparents, Bill and Velma Bedore and step-grandmother, Ruby Bedore.
Survived by brother, Chris Hrabe and his wife Cheri and sister, Shannon Schmidt and her husband Jay. Her beloved nephews and nieces, Kyle and his wife Gina, Tiffini, Ashlie (Darby), Nathan and Hannah (Quinn). Great nephews and nieces, Bristol, Bridger, Colby and Alivia.
Also surviving are cherished uncles and aunts; Larry Bedore and his wife, Susan and Elaine Horn and her husband Jim. Cousins, Patrick (Missy) Bedore; Becky (Gantley) Wilson; Deb (Keenan) Smith and Donna (Rennie) Griem.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joann, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Joann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joann Hrabe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joann Hrabe's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?