JoAnn Sue (Horsman) Christen
JoAnn Christen, 77 of Marshalltown, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. JoAnn was born to Keith and Alice Horsman on January 2, 1946, at the Emmetsburg Hospital. Growing up she first attended school at Rolfe before moving to Mallard, from which she graduated high school. She then went to college at Morningside in Sioux City, graduating with a major in elementary education and a minor in business.
JoAnn was a gifted and well-loved teacher, sharing her talents with communities in Keokuk and South Tama before spending 35 years as a kindergarten teacher in the Garwin and Green Mountain-Garwin (GMG) schools. While at GMG, she had the distinct advantage of teaching in the only air-conditioned classroom in the district: the bus barn, where the kids could also make a great deal of noise without disturbing other classes and teachers.
After retiring from a fulfilling teaching career, she entered the business world. Her financial and organizational skills provided value to many people in the community through her sixteen years of service in the investment industry, most of which were with Edward Jones.
While living in Keokuk, JoAnn met the love of her life, Glen. They were married on June 20th, 1970, and together they enjoyed a lifetime of love, travel, adventure and laughter. JoAnn loved to travel with Glen, with their first foreign tour of seventeen days covering several countries in Europe. Together, they visited 16 countries, sometimes traveling with their dear friends. They enjoyed seeing the world together and sharing their stories and experiences with their family and friends.
JoAnn was an active member of numerous groups; sorority, multiple card clubs and several committees at Hope United Methodist Church. She enjoyed sharing her artistic talents with her communities including singing with the annual Messiah chorus, creating unique cross stitch art and of course whipping up the most delicious treats which Glen and other family truly loved. JoAnn was known for her generosity, sincerity and unending energy. She will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband Glen of 53 years, a sister Shari Horsman, two sisters-in-law Carol Horsman and Wendy Joynt, as well as multiple nieces, nephews and grands. She is also survived by brothers-in-law David, Paul and Louis. Preceding her in death are her parents, Keith and Alice, and brothers Darryl and Steven.
The family looks forward to having a Celebration of Life for JoAnn at a later date. In honor of JoAnn’s love of books and libraries, in lieu of flowers, please consider directing a memorial to your local library. (Memorials or condolences may be sent % Mitchell Family Funeral Homes)