JoAnn H. (Jensen) Kucera

JoAnn Helen Kucera, 81, passed away on November 24, 2017 in Prineville, Oregon.  She was born on August 2, 1936 in Elgin, Nebraska to Arthur M. and Helen (Simmons) Jensen.  JoAnn graduated from Meadow Grove High School in Meadow Grove, Nebraska.

Shortly after starting beauty school in Norfolk, NE, JoAnn met James (Jim) Kucera, who was  home on leave from the Navy.  After a short courtship, JoAnn took the train to San Diego and they were married in 1958 at the Naval Chapel at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 7th, 2018.

JoAnn’s joy came from taking care of her family and involving herself wholeheartedly in the activities that they enjoyed. JoAnn loved to dance and did so until she was unable due to the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. JoAnn made friends easily wherever she lived.  It was common to hear how much fun she was to tease or how infectious her laugh was.

JoAnn is survived by her husband Jim Kucera of Prineville, OR ; her daughter Dawn (and Tom) Mountz of Prineville, OR; daughter Diane Fisher of Carlton, OR; daughter Debbie Kucera of Tualatin, OR; and son Steve (and Dawn) Kucera of Brighton, CO.  Her grandchildren, Danielle Young, Jamie Story, Hannah Fisher, Tyler Kucera, Amanda Kucera, Luba Mountz, Kasenia Rankin, Jason Rankin and Justin Rankin were very special to her.  She is additionally survived by 7 great-grandchildren and her siblings Delores Freeman in Nebraska and brother Robert Jensen in Texas.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Helen Jensen; her stepmother Myrtle Jensen; her sister Marjorie Jensen and her infant son Jimmie John Kucera.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Charles Hospice of Prineville and /or Meals on Wheels Program - Prineville

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