Joan Eileen Hanson

Joan Eileen Hanson
Joan Eileen Hanson, loved by God, her husband Lyle of 65 and a half years, her three daughters, family, friends and all of her students, went to have Thanksgiving with Jesus on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Daughter of the late Ray and Eileen (Reinking) Drenkhahn, Joan was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 12, 1938. Growing up in Marion, Iowa, she graduated in 1956 as their homecoming queen. Joan went on to Iowa State University where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Child Development and she met her "hunchy," Lyle, who worked in the kitchen of her dorm. They married June 26, 1960, in Marion, Iowa.
To them were born three daughters, and she stayed home with them until they were of school age. At that point she decided to go back to teaching. Her teaching career was in the Bullock Creek School District for 22 years, teaching Kindergarten and Pre-First. She had a love for the young learners and was a constant source of love and care in many little lives.
Joanie always put others before herself. She always had a smile to share, love in her heart and abundant JOY!
Left to cherish Joanie's memory are her husband, Lyle; daughters, Kimbery (Rod) Bessey; Stephanie (Dennis) Thomas; Jennifer (Jeff) Adamcik; grandchildren, Jacob Hanson, Ashley Poolman, Andrew Doane, Noah Adamcik, Ben Thomas; and six great-grandchildren.
A Worship Service and Memorial will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 14 at Ware-Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland. Fellowship and Christmas goodies to follow.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Area 30 Special Olympics or Community of Christ Church in Sanford.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Hanson family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.