Services for Joann Proett, 87, of Wayne, will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 27 at First Presbyterian Church in Wayne. There is no visitation.
She passed away with her daughters by her side on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Heritage of Bel Air in Norfolk.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Survivors include her children, Vickie (Rick) Weaver of Baldwin City, Kansas, Dan Proett of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Jean Gardner of Wayzata, Minnesota, Nancie (Garry) Stoltenberg of Lincoln, Mary (Andy) Kroupa of Omaha, Darren Proett of Fremont, Susan Bowers of Norfolk, Doug Proett of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Kristin (Mark) Wilkowske of Edina, Minnesota; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and counting.
Joann was born on May 3,1935 in Page, Nebraska to L.W. and Mata Powers. She graduated from Wayne High School. She was married to Maurice Proett and together they had nine children, yes NINE children. Boy, what she could do with a pound of hamburger or a can of tuna. She was a baker, a florist, a caregiver, and the best Mom and Grandmother ever. She made us all feel loved and special.
Mom loved kids so much that after we were raised, she continued raising others. She was a house mother in Lincoln and in Ames, Iowa for several years, but once again her love of Wayne called her home. Mom was an avid sports fan and loved her Husker team GBR. Mom is awaiting red balloons. Mom loved gardening and making her home beautiful. Valentine’s Day decor went up before Christmas decorations came down.
She worked at Wayne State College “Go Cats” serving kids with smiles and her warm heart. Mom loved Wayne and its community. She loved the Wayne Museum and was an active and integral member. Mom loved the Presbyterian Church and was a faithful member (take note of the pinwheel sandwiches), she was an active PEO member, Chicken Days enthusiast, the El Toro Bowling team……let's just face it — Mom loved Wayne and everything about it. Mom loved traveling, wine, and chocolate. She was a faithful friend, devoted mother, and amazing grandmother.
Mom loved life and we can see why it was so hard for her to say goodbye. Mom will be missed deeply, but left us saying, “don’t be sad, I love you all.”
