Joan Maurer Westadt

LAUREL — Joan Maurer Westadt, 79, Laurel, died June 8, 2024, at Faith Regional Hospital, Norfolk.

Funeral services were June 11 at the Faith Community Church, Laurel, with the Rev. Doug Collins officiating.

Burial was at the Belden Cemetery. Visitation was Monday at church and continued Tuesday, one hour prior to services.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

Pallbearers were Craig Cooper, Kathern Kocsis, Steven Nash, Ian Mueller, Andy Tishtammer and Deb Knobbe.

Joan was born July 25, 1944, in Neligh, to Elmer Anton and Agnes Kathern (VanKirk) Maurer. She grew up in Hartington, graduating from Hartington High School in 1963. Joan worked for Jack and Gert Konz at the Globe prior to and after her marriage to James Vincent Westadt Aug. 8, 1965, in Laurel. She cleaned houses while her kids were in school. Joan especially loved to clean windows. Joan then became the bookkeeper for their own farm business, J&J Dairy, from 1983-1995.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, now the Faith Community Church. Joan taught Sunday school and also served as superintendent. Joan belonged to the Laurel Women’s Bowling League and the couple’s league with Jim. Joan was the President of her children’s and grandchildren’s fan clubs.

Joan is survived by her husband, Jim, Laurel; two children, son, Drew Westadt, Minneapolis, Minn.; daughter, Shawn Mueller, Lutherville, Md.; five grandchildren, Rhiannon Root, Baltimore, Md.; Ian and Mattie Mueller, Lutherville, Md.; Justin Mueller, Sutherland; Kerrianne Hager, Hickman; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Barbra Howard, Omaha; one brother, Roy (Linda) Maurer, Burleson, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Maurer and Agnes Johnson; four siblings, Alvin Mauer, Elmer Maurer Jr., Beverly Cline and Betty Cooper; and son-in-law, Les Mueller.