Joan Mahnke, age 83, of Storm Lake, Iowa, formerly of Albert City, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 30, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Joan Audrey Carmon, the daughter of Leon and Gertrude Elizabeth (Hassett) Carmon was born in Pleasantville, New Jersey on March 17, 1934. She lived her youth in Pleasantville and was a 1952 graduate of Pleasantville High School. She tapped dance on the Steel Pier throughout her teen years. After graduation, she worked for the Atlantic City Press.

At a USO dance, Joan met the love of her life, Duane Mahnke, while he was serving his country in the Navy and stationed in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Joan and Duane were united in marriage on August 30, 1954, in Pleasantville. This union was blessed with four children: twin daughters, Donna and Debbie, along with Cindy and Lee.

Following Duane’s discharge, they moved to Albert City where they were engaged in farming and raising their family. After being involved with farming, Duane worked at the Laurens Good Samaritan Nursing Home and Joan was very busy as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker to her family. She also developed a special bond with her grandchildren while providing daycare. The couple came to Storm Lake in 2012 where they have made their home since.

Joan was a very active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert City where she served as a Sunday school teacher for all ages and a Vacation Bible School teacher. She and Duane were devoted Luther League sponsors for many years. She nurtured her children by serving as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and was an active music booster. Joan was civic minded and belonged to many clubs and organizations including the Happy Hour Club and Mothers of Twins Club. Duane and Joan enjoyed playing 500 in card clubs and spending time together playing slots at the casino. She will be remembered for baking and decorating many cakes as well as being an avid reader. Joan’s grandchildren were the delight of her life and she enjoyed spending time with them by taking them to Cutty’s of Okoboji and being together as a family. 

Joan’s life and memory is cherished, loved and celebrated by her family which include her husband, Duane of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Donna Dorio of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Debbie (Dick) Sheets of Panora, Iowa; Cindy (Scott) Vander Leest of Watertown, South Dakota; Lee (Rachel) Mahnke of Cascade, Colorado; grandchildren: Jamie (Eric) Kunze of Panora, Iowa; Mitchell Sheets of Panora, Iowa; Ryan Vander Leest of Brookings, South Dakota; Allison Vander Leest of Watertown, South Dakota; Ashley (Joe Williams) Vander Leest of Watertown, South Dakota; Danielle Scott of Denver, Colorado; two adopted grandchildren: Amber Mahnke and Aaron Mahnke both of Cascade, Colorado; great grandchildren: Tate Kunze, Taylor Kunze, Charlyee Williams, Autumn Sheets, and Gavin Sheets; other extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Ronald, in infancy. 

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