Joann Sopher

   JoAnn Maak Sopher was born August 2, 1932 in Vail, Iowa, the 2nd of 4 daughters to Clarence and Bertha (Brandt) Maak.  JoAnn grew up in the Boyer and Vail, area where she also received her education.  As a young woman, JoAnn traveled to San Gabriel, California where she received her education in nursing.  She then worked as a nurse’s aide in nursing homes as well as private homes taking care of patients in California, Massachusetts, and Lake View, Iowa.  JoAnn retired from her nursing career in 1980.   JoAnne was united in marriage to Don Sopher in 1980 and they made their home in Azle, Texas where JoAnn was baptized in 1986.  The couple later moved to Arcadia, Iowa where she was active in the Arcadia Presbyterian Church.  JoAnn then moved to Manilla, Iowa in 2003 to be closer to family and became an active member in the United Church of Manilla.  Throughout her life, JoAnn enjoyed taking care of her lawn and growing flowers. She loved tutoring children and helping others whenever she could. She loved dancing and traveling and always had a joke or a good story to tell. 

   In March of 2016, JoAnn became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in Manilla, Iowa, where she passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020.  She was 87 years and 7 months of age.

   JoAnn was preceeded in death by her parents; husband Don Sopher; brothers-in-law: Vernon Koenck and Leonard (Doc) Freese; niece Connie Krueger; great niece Jodi Grote; great grand-nephew Spencer Freese; and special aunt Betty Maak. 

  Joann is survived by three sisters: Loraine Koenck of Lake City; Shirley Freese of Manilla; Merilee and husband Leonard Reetz of Arcadia; special friends Phyllis Weaver of Denison and Esta Denton of Manning; as well as other relatives and many friends. 

Officiating

Reverend Joel Sutton

Recorded Music

“God Will Take Care Of You”   “Because He Lives”

“Amazing Grace”

Casket Bearers

Lenny Freese     Randy Freese     Rob Freese

Nate Barry     Steve Reetz    

Gary Koenck     Lucas Lile

Interment

Nishnabotna Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa