Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joan Hobart Obituary
Nov 12, 1946 - Dec 10, 2009
Omaha, formerly of Lake City, IA. Joan at Lake City, IA to Edwin and Irene (Grabner) Hobart. She graduated from Lake City High School in 1965 and from Creighton University, Omaha in 1969. Joan taught senior English at Burke High School, Omaha for 33 years and received a Buffet Outstanding Teacher Award. Joan left a lasting stamp on the lives of hundreds of her students. Over the years she taught many of the children of former students. She loved reading, long walks, and debating social and political issues. After retiring, she did volunteer work at Immanuel Hospital, Omaha. Joan is survived by her nephews, Christopher (Erin) and Jonathan (Detra) Eichhorn; great-nephews and nieces, Katie, Grace, Kendra, John, Abby, and Jacob; long-time close friend, Ro Simpson. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Ann Eichhorn; nephew, Jeffrey Eichhorn; uncle, Glenn Hobart.
MASS of the CHRISTIAN BURIAL 10:30am Tues. St. Mary's Catholic Church, Lake City with Father Lynn Bruch officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Lake City. VISITATION after 3pm Mon. at Lampe Funeral Home with 7pm Prayer Service. LAMPE FUNERAL HOME
Lake City, IA 712-464-7665
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Hobart
Janet (Petersen) Muhm
June 6, 2023
All these years later, I still think of Ms. Hobart and her wonderful dry sense of humor. She often started our late afternoon class by asking if anyone had anything to eat. I surprised her on the Ides of March with a "Caesar" cake with a knife stuck in it. She loved it so much, I continued the tradition into college, once sending her a giant Caesar paper doll. Thank you, Ms. Hobart, for encouraging creativity and playfulness in your students. It meant so much.
Debbie E Chambers
October 11, 2022
Ms. Hobart was one of the best teachers ever. I loved my English/Satire classes with her. Rest in peace. Debbie Dinnin Chambers Class of 76'
December 31, 2009
Thank you so much for everything, Ms. Hobart. Your teachings still inspire me to this day and I have never and will never forget you. I do, however, hold you responsible for my obsessive love of Arthurian legends...
In all seriousness - THANK YOU.
With love,
Julie Coren
BHS Class of 2000
December 21, 2009
While in high school Joan and her cousin, Tom Hobart were two of my astute debaters. Like all debaters their names were prominently written on their information card box. As the teams visited prior to competition an opposing debate team member noticed the name Hobart on Tom's and Joan's boxes and exclaimed, "Are you guys married?"
Joan calmly replied, "Of course. Our school board endorses that." (Nothing could have been farther from the truth.)
December 21, 2009
Ms. Hobart is obvisouly missed by many, including myself. Thank you for everything! Rest in peace...
Joe Bizzarri, Class of 2000
December 21, 2009
Unfortunately, I never had Ms. Hobart as a teacher but got to know her through her numerous attempts to keep me in study hall.
In the 1970's, the heyday of modular scheduling, I liked to sit on the floor up by the teacher's lounge and read. Ms. Hobart, on hall duty, always found me there and chatted with me about what I was reading and whisked me off to study hall. Her good humor, gentle discipline, and interest in what I was reading made her one of my favorites. She will be missed.
Mary Elliston
Burke 1973
Cecelia Hazell-Ramsey
December 20, 2009
Almost 30 years ago Joan was more than a teacher, she was a inspiration. AP English wasn't just a class. I kept in touch with her when I spent a semester studying in England. As she prepared to retire, she even asked me if I wanted her job when I subbed in my old stomping grounds at Burke.
Mark Schwietz '77
December 19, 2009
By far my favorite teacher when at Burke over 30 years ago. I took two classes with her. She was tough. She was fair. She was cool. What a seat she is going to have for Christmas! :-)
December 19, 2009
By far my favorite teacher when at Burke over 30 years ago. I took two classes with her. She was tough. She was fair. She was cool. What a seat she is going to have for Christmas! :-)
Mark Schwietz '77 Tempe, AZ
David Karlquist, BHS '74
December 17, 2009
A fantastic teacher and fun-loving, caring human being - what a loss! To Ms. Simpson and "Hobie"'s family my sincere sympathy.
Suzanne Kurth
December 16, 2009
Ms. Hobart was a terrific teacher and truly influenced me and gave me such a love for great literature. She brought the books to life for everyone. She had a great sense of humor and I feel so blessed to have had her for my teacher. She truly influenced many lives and will be missed greatly! Thanks for everything Ms. Hobart!
Suzanne (Oestmann) Kurth - Class of 90
Brian Borchers
December 16, 2009
I came into Ms. Hobart's AP English class in the fall of 1980 without having taken any of the prerequisite honors classes. She was a bit afraid that I wasn't well enough prepared, but she gave me a chance and I ended doing well in the class. It was the best possible preparation for the writing that I had to do in college and later in my professional career. She was an inspiring teacher, and I try to keep that in mind as I teach my own classes.
Kristin Wittmann
December 16, 2009
My experience in her classroom is one of the reasons I became an English teacher myself. It was one of the few hours in the day when I felt alive, intrigued, and respected. Ms. Hobart was salt of the earth. I currently use a worksheet she gave our senior English class with my own students on "trimming the fat" out of your essay. It had a picture of a pig in the corner that she had no doubt drawn herself. It was hysterical. Classic Hobart. Blessings to her family and Ms. Simpson, also a favorite past teacher of mine. Thank you, Ms. H!
December 16, 2009
Ms. Hobart had a profound impact on the life I am living today. Thank you so much for showing me the path to become the teacher I am today, as well as how to appreciate literature and speak intelligently about it. When I got married in 2004 she even came to the wedding! She truly cared about all of her students. I now teach at Burke and everytime I walk by her class room I can see her face and hear her voice talking about Heart of Darkness of Canticle for Leibowitz. Thank you Hobie and I miss you!
Nicholas Spath M.M.
Burke High School Class of 96
Burke High School Asst. Band Director\Orchestra Director
Robyn Nisi
December 15, 2009
Ms. Hobart was a fantastic teacher and person. I learned how to be a clear and effective writer from her, and I will always remember her no-nonsense approach and sardonic wit.
I am grateful that our paths crossed.
Shari Fischer
December 15, 2009
Like the rest who have made comments about Miss Hobart, I have carried memories from her class with me for the last 27 years. Everytime I use the phrase, "Out damn spot, out," I think of her. BEOWOLF is also in my memory because of Miss Hobart.
I could always identify with her sense of humor. Anytime spent in the fourth grade classroom, where I currently reside, would verify this.
I agree with everyone else, she was one of the best and most memorable teachers I ever had.
December 15, 2009
I was so sad to hear about the death of Miss Hobart. She was my favorite teacher at Burke. I was fortunate to have her teach me both sophomore and senior English and somewhere in there she introduced me to satire. Thank you! What a great sense of humor and what a great teacher. I had the chance to visit her at Burke in her last year of teaching...she hadn't changed one bit! My sympathies to her friends and family. Just know that she had a positive impact on thousands of lives over the years.
Bill Fleming
Class of '76
December 15, 2009
What a privilege to work with such an outstanding, caring individual. She taught more than the students she worked with on a daily basis. She set high expectations for her students and higher ones for herself. I will continue to follow the lessons she taught me.
Anni MacFarland (Thull)
Former Guidance Director, Burke High School
December 15, 2009
She was the BEST teacher I EVER had. She truly taught me how to write, and I still use those skills today.
Sue Hendrick
Class of '86
Beth Bailen
December 14, 2009
Ms. Hobart worried about having me in her Sr. English class. Due to some my grades she thought I would fail and said, 'I hope you prove me wrong.' I told her I wouldn't just prove her wrong but I would make her proud. Because of her guidance, intelligence and patience I did. Ms. Hobart, I am proud and honored to have been one of your students.
Mary (Menzies) Walstrom
December 14, 2009
Ms. Hobart was one of my favorite teachers. I loved her sense of humor. I remember literature discussions in her classroom, where she encouraged us to express our thoughts and valued our opinions. I will forever think of her whenever I think of Gulliver's Travels and the Yahoos! I am now a middle school teacher, and I know the importance of mutual respect in my classroom. I hope that I am able to have the impact on my students that she had on hers.
Jodi Gottschalk
December 14, 2009
Form follows function. You will be missed.
Cynthia(Cinde) Campbell
December 14, 2009
I, too, have fond memories of Ms. Hobart, and in fact recently came across a paper of mine written for her class. I couldn't get the difference between "noble" and "humble" and she tried her best to illustrate their respective meanings. I work in a middle/high school and now recognize many of the challenges/frustrations faced by all good teachers--and she was among the very best! She truly LIKED her students, respected them, and responded to their needs, meeting them where they (we) were and teaching way more than grammar and literature.
She will be missed.
Class of 1974
Kandy (Goff) Duncan
December 14, 2009
Hobie,
You will be extremely missed by a tremendous amount of people because of all the lives you touched at Burke High School and beyond. I was in your class during the 70's and also was a Burkette for 2 years when you were our Director. You made English class very interesting and your wicked sense of humor kept us teenagers from getting bored. You definitely 'told it like it is' even when we didn't want to hear it. You made all of us feel like we were your only student because of you caring about each and every one of us. To Ro and the rest of your Family...I am so, so sorry for your loss but just know she will live on in all of the lives she touched. Ro, I am still the best 'r' roller because of taking your Spanish classes. You told us to practice all the time...even on the toilet.....Thanks!
Michael Holley
December 13, 2009
Ms. Hobart was an amazing teacher. English was a subject most of us were quite tired of by our Senior year of High School, but she did an amazing job of keeping it fun and teaching us to fall in love with the language again. She will be missed, and there are countless students who will remember her legacy. Thank you for all the wonderful lessons, Ms. Hobart.
Danielle Epstein Sherman
December 13, 2009
Everywhere I have worked as an adult, my co-workers have looked to me whenever they needed someone to proof or edit important documents. I owe all of my expertise in proofing and editing and my passion for words in general to Miss Hobart. I still remember and use things she taught me. She will be missed.
Brenda Lewis
December 13, 2009
I can recount perhaps a handful of teachers whom I was lucky enough to have been taught by over the years who made such a profound difference in those formative high school years. She most definitely lives on in the hearts of so very many students who learned so much from her and loved her as well.
My sincerest condolences!
Brenda Lewis
BHS Class of '91
Karla Schorle
December 13, 2009
Ms. Hobart was an amazing person and teacher. She had the ability to make a student feel unique and appreciated, no matter how many students were in the room. Her passion for teaching showed through in every lesson. I have never worked as hard for anyone; not because the assignments were difficult, but because she challenged you to dig deeper within yourself. I may never fully understand subject-verb agreement, but I do appreciate her countless attempts. I reflect on her lessons often because of her abilty to empower students. I always wanted to be a teacher, but she provided the encouragement for me to go for my dreams. I hope that someday I am able to pass on that gift. She lives on through the hearts of her students, she will be missed and never forgotten. --Class of '98
Karla Schorle
December 13, 2009
Ms. Hobart was an amazing person and teacher. She had the ability to make a student feel unique and appreciated, no matter how many students were in the room. Her passion for teaching showed through in every lesson. I have never worked as hard for anyone; not because the assignments were difficult, but because she challenged you to dig deeper within yourself. I may never fully understand subject-verb agreement, but I do appreciate her countless attempts. I reflect on her lessons often because of her abilty to empower students. I always wanted to be a teacher, but she provided the encouragement for me to go for my dreams. I hope that someday I am able to pass on that gift. She lives on through the hearts of her students, she will be missed and never forgotten. Class of '98
Angel Carl (Siciunas)
December 13, 2009
What an amazing teacher and a great woman. One tough cookie, that's for sure and thank goodness--we needed it! Ms. Hobart was one of those teachers that made you think in new ways and wouldn't let you off the hook. Scorching sense of humor. One learning experience I will never forget. Thank you Ms,. Hobart, for everything you taught us, on and off cirriculum. My sincerest condolences to the family. She will be deeply missed, I know.
Tiffani Sherman
December 13, 2009
Ms. Hobart was one of my favorite teachers ever (I graduated from Burke in 1991). She is one of the reasons I became a writer and a journalist and I will never forget what she taught me. I'm sure nobody will use passive voice in heaven while she is around.
Joy Fowler
December 13, 2009
Joan has been a wonderful friend throughout life. Joan and I were classmates and graduated from Lake City High in 1965. At our 40th class reunion Joan gave a very humorous recount of the high school escapades of her classmates. She will be greatly missed for her loving sense of humor and caring spirit. Our Lake City Eagles' mascot has been spirited away "On Angel's Wings."
Clara Ohr
December 13, 2009
This is terribly sad news to me. Ms. Hobart was one of my absolute favorite teachers at Burke, both in terms of what she taught substantively and how she taught it (she was just irreverent enough to keep things cutting edge and interesting for 17-18 year-olds!). I certainly felt on par if not ahead of my college classmates when it came to English and composition, for which I owe in large measure to Ms. Hobart.
Rest in peace, Ms. Hobart, and God bless to your family.
Love,
Clara J. Ohr
Harry A. Burke High School Class of '89
Doug Olson
December 13, 2009
I had Miss Hobart for sophomore and senior English at Burke back in the early 70's. She was warm and friendly, and a wonderful person to learn from. We read everything from Arthur C. Clarke's mind-opening science fiction to Shakespeare. She will be missed by thousands of former students. Doug Olson, BHS 1974
Tanya (Dennis) Blakeley
December 13, 2009
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Ms. Hobart was an incredible teacher and I am very thankful for her and her influence on my life. I am sorry for your loss; please know that she lives on in the hearts of her students.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Joan Hobart's name
Memorial Events
for Joan Hobart
How to support Joan'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Joan Hobart's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
