Joan Marie Petrzilka passed into God's hands on Wednesday morning, May 30, 2018, in Seward, NE after a life-long battle with lung disease. She was born to Alois and Eleanor (Kantor) Codr on their farm near Ulysses, NE in 1935.

Ray and Joan Petrzilka had four children, Joni, Kevin, Jan and Joyce. Joan continued to teach while raising her four children and operating Ray and Joan's Tavern in Loma, NE. Joan taught school at several school districts: Bruno, Dwight Assumption, St. Mary's in David City and finally at East Butler Elementary in Brainard for over 30 years. She lived every day to the fullest and shared that enthusiasm with all who knew her. Joan was an avid gardener, reader and loved all things in nature.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Ray in 2012.

Joan leaves behind her family, Joni (Steve) Hansen, Fort Calhoun, Kevin (Donna) Petrzilka, rural Brainard, Jan (Jay) Riemer), Joliet, IL, Joyce (Mike) Benes, Valparaiso; seven grandchildren, Dane and Reid Hansen, Dillon and Mason Petrzilka, Austin and Ashley Benes, Joanna Riemer; great-grandson, Brysen Johnson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Johnny and Janice Codr, Ames, IA, Joseph and Pearl Codr, Omaha, Frank and Terri Codr, Omaha; several nieces and nephews.