VAN HORNE:  Joan E. Garbers, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Jeffrey Schanbacher and Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Interment will be at the Keystone Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday also at the church in Newhall  A memorial fund has been established.

Joan was born March 29, 1941 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Henry L. "Heinie" and Geraldine (Young) Garbers.  She graduated from Van Horne High School with the Class of 1959, and Upper Iowa University with a B.A. in education.  Joan worked as a teacher in area elementary and middle schools for many years and very much enjoyed her students.

She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall.  Joan had a deep love for children, often volunteering to babysit for anyone who needed a break.  She was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed history.  Sewing and crafting were also special passions.  Most of all, spending time with her family was her greatest joy.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Kristin Gandia of Marion, Kara (Bob) Done of Waxhaw, N.C., Kallin (Greg) Mead of Akron, OH, Kerry (Mike) Rathje of Atkins; 11 grandchildren, Mariah (Josh), Jordyn, Isabella, Katareena, Dominic, Ethan, Eric, Emily, Kole, Rose, and June; 4 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Briellie, Kadence, and River; and her sister Jean Kubu of Buffalo, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Gene Kubu; and nephew Greg Kubu.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com