Joan Johansen

Joan Colleen Johansen, 78, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at an assisted living facility in Phoenix.
Private family services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Christy-Smith Funeral Home and First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City.
Joan was born on May 21, 1938, in Sioux City, the daughter of Samuel and Lois Rymill. She attended Morningside College, and earned her degree in English.
On Jan. 5, 1965, Joan married Gary Johansen in Littleton, Colo. He passed away on April 17, 2013, in Sioux City. Joan taught elementary school full-time early on, and paused her career to focus on raising a family with Gary. Joan re-entered teaching years later as a substitute teacher for special needs children.
She was an active volunteer with the Sioux City Concert Course, an active member of the Schubert Club, and a member of P.E.O. Joan was a devoted wife, and a loving, caring and supportive mother. She had a passion for lifelong learning, music and cooking.
Survivors include her daughter, Michelle (Kenny) Johansen of Novato, Calif.; her two sons, Steven (Kenia) Johansen and granddaughters, Kiara and Alyssa, of Phoenix, and Brian (Marissa) Johansen of New York City; and a brother, Roy (Sandra) Rymill of Spring Hill, Kan.
She was preceded in death by her husband; and parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.