In Loving Memory of
JoAnn Marie Nehs
of Snohomish, WA
10/07/1941 β 07/21/2026
JoAnn was born in Minnesota on October 7, 1941 to Bernard and Mabel Staupe. She grew up in Wisconsin where she attended Arrowhead High School and was president of the Art Club. In 1970 she married Donald C. Nehs and they traveled to the west coast where they built their life and home in Arlington, WA. JoAnn was a hard working and dedicated wife, mother, and follower of Christ. She spent countless hours working alongside her husband Don in their cabinet shop to support her family. She loved the home they built together in Arlington and affectionately referred to it as βthe big houseβ. If ever asked what made her happiest, she would answer that it was simply watching her children have fun. She would (and did) do anything for her family. JoAnnβs happiest memories were taking her children, and later her grandchildren, swimming, roller skating, to the movies, to the zoo, to the enchanted village, and on many adventures across the USA. JoAnn had a passion and talent for arts and crafts. She poured her heart into making beautiful and unique cards, dolls, costumes, blankets, and clothes for those she loved. She always remembered birthdays and made sure you knew that you were important to her. JoAnn was selfless to a fault, always putting others' needs before her own. She was loving, caring, supportive, hilarious, generous, forgiving, and unabashedly herself.
JoAnn is survived by her children Nancy Nehs, Donald B. Nehs, Jenifer (Jason) Gulley, and Leatrice (Anthony) Ciaravella, her 9 grandchildren, and her 2 great-grandchildren, as well as her brothers Wayne (Judy) Staupe, Larry (Paula) Staupe, Jeff (Tammy) Staupe, her sister Linda Honeyager, and her auntie-sis Joyce Dahl. She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Donald C. Nehs, her brothers Willard Staupe and Jerome Staupe, and her sisters Melvina Daugherty and Sherry Nylund.
The family would like to send special appreciation to Holistic Wellness Adult Family Homes of Snohomish, WA for their attentive and loving care during JoAnnβs final months on this side of heaven. Even through dementia and failing health, one particular caregiver was able to form a special bond with JoAnn and earned the title of βmy friend.β Our deepest gratitude to Salai for your persistent kindness and prayers during a difficult time.
What a wonderful tribute to your beautiful mother. She was an amazing person and I was blessed that she was my sister. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to her family. She loved you all more than words can say.We all need to stay happy because that’s what she would have wanted. I will truly miss my sis but whenever I think of her it warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.ππ
Thank you so much to the Holistic Wellness home for the wonderful care she was given during her time there. Leatrice always kept in touch with us and told us how kind you’ve been to my sister and that was very consoling since several of us live further away. A special thank you to Saili also for all of your Tender Loving Care. God bless you all.π
What a beautifully written tribute to a beautiful lady. I feel blessed to have known her and called her family. Im sending much love to her kids and grandkids in particular – I know you were all so close. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
My heart is broken but am consoled knowing that my friend Joann is home with Jesus. Joann and I bonded over our faith and love for Jesus. I was so inspired by her unwavering faith even when she was having the worst pain, she kept the faith and I know she was at peace, during our last prayer together she prayed that God would take care of her children whom He had given her. I am humbled and feel so blessed to have had the chance to get to know and care for her even though it was for a short time. Leatrice and the rest of the family, be comforted knowing that she is resting in peace, free from pain. I would like to share this bible verse with you all Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants”. I am praying that God comforts you all in ways only He can. Joann will be missed by all of us at Holistic Wellness.
Beautifully written sentiments. JoAnn was quick to make people feel welcome and had a wonderful laugh. She will be missed.