Joann Barbara Hawbaker

Joann Barbara Hawbaker went to her eternal home November 12, 2024. She was just shy of her 95th birthday.

Joann was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 24th, 1929. She was the only child of Ward William Kuenkel and Lova I (Baird) Kuenkel.

Joann spent her childhood in the Des Moines area and graduated from East High School in 1948.

Joann married her longtime boyfriend Howard Ora Hawbaker on July 2, 1948. They had 3 boys David Howard Hawbaker, Douglas Mark Hawbaker, and Danny Kim Hawbaker. She and Howard spent many years farming near Polk City, Iowa and later near Martensdale, Iowa.

Joann worked and retired from Northwestern Bell Telephone Company where she held several clerical positions.

She and Howard spent the first part of their retirement years on the Lake of the Ozarks where they enjoyed hosting family and friends and partaking of lake activities.

Later they moved to Green Valley, Arizona where they enjoyed spending time with many friends. Joann’s favorite pastime was playing games and especially liked playing the card game of hearts.

After Howard passed away she moved to Littleton, Colorado to be near her youngest son Dan. It was here she carved out her niche making new friends, socializing, and playing games, which of course included hearts.

Joann spent her last few years in an assisted living facility making new friends and participating in many social activities with the other residents.

Joann had nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Howard Ora Hawbaker and her son, Douglas Mark Hawbaker.