Joanne June (Thurston) Daufeldt

Joanne June (Thurston) Daufeldt, 90, of Tipton, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 while under the care of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 11:00 am in the Tipton Masonic Cemetery with the Rev. Ronald Lashmit, Officiating. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Joanne Daufeldt, born on June 4, 1934, in Tipton, Iowa, was the cherished daughter of Samuel and Leona (Wagner) Thurston. Her childhood was filled with simple joys—walking to school, playing alongside her siblings on the railroad tracks behind their home, and forming close bonds with her parents and sisters. Joanne graduated from Tipton High School in 1952, embarking on a journey that would lead her to a love story for the ages.

After high school, Joanne worked at Shima’s Egg Factory, where fate intervened. Her dear friend Freida Daufeldt orchestrated a blind date, introducing Joanne to Lawrence John “Bud” Daufeldt. Their meeting blossomed into love, and on May 11, 1957, they exchanged vows at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Illinois. From their union, three daughters—Kelly, Lori, and Erica—brought immeasurable joy to their lives.

Joanne’s role as a homemaker was her true calling. She reveled in family time, taking her daughters on bike rides, swimming pool adventures, and treasure hunts at local garage sales. Her rhubarb pies, harvested from her own backyard, were legendary. Joanne also tended to her tomato and pepper plants, sharing quiet moments with Bud as they explored KFC, Weed Park, and Mark Twin Hill in Muscatine.

Her interests were diverse: books, crosswords, Iowa Women’s basketball, soap operas, and classic Westerns. Joanne’s love for cardinals mirrored her own resilience—despite her 90 years, she remained youthful at heart.

Joanne joins her husband Bud in Heaven exactly 3 years and 3 days after his passing.  Along with Bud, she joins her parents, sisters Marie Aegerter, Gladys Simmons, Margaret Garmon, and Violet Wiskus, infant brothers Sammy and Jerry Thurston, and granddaughter, Toni Gatto.

Joanne is loved and survived by her daughters, Kelly Daufeldt of Cedar Rapids, IA, Lori (Rick) Pierce of Washington, IA, and Erica (Joe) Elizondo of West Liberty, IA; sister, Velma Robinson; brothers, Rudy (Marilyn) Thurston, and Danny (Pam) Thurston; and two beloved granddaughters, Lisa Gatto and Mya Elizondo.

May Joanne’s spirit continue to inspire love, resilience, and cherished family bonds.