Joanne Ruth Carlson was born on June 2, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska to Rev. William and Inger (Christensen) Wilson and passed away on April 23, 2023, in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 90 years, 10 months and 21 days.

Joanne grew up in Omaha where she attended and graduated from South High School with the Class of 1950. She began teaching in a one-room school in Saunders County. She met her future husband, Vaughn, as she was taking down the flag after school. They were united in marriage on January 3, 1954, in Ralston, Nebraska, by her father, and to this union four children were born. The couple lived in Lincoln for several years before moving to Omaha. Joanne returned to school and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from UNO. She later received her master's degree in Elementary Education from UNO in 1967. Joanne began teaching at the College of Saint Mary for 10 years and a short time at UNMC. In 1975, she received her PhD. From UNL. Joanne worked for Meyer Rehabilitation Institute from 1975 until 1987, while working part-time at College of Saint Mary. She was named the chairman of the Education Department at College of Saint Mary in 1989 and held that position until her retirement in 2002.

Joanne received the Inspiring Excellence Award from College of Saint Mary in 1998-1999, the Tribute to Women Visionary in 2000, South High School Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2006 from the International Reading Association. She was a member and past president of the American Association of University Women. She spoke at many International World Congresses in Reading. Joanne traveled to many places including Canada, China, Scotland, England, Japan and Jamaica. She loved to travel and served in five mission trips to Belize. After Joanne retired, she and Vaughn were able to go on many Bus Trips to Branson and hear their favorite entertainer, Daniel O'Donnell. She loved the Arts and attending the Symphony. Family was also the center of her world, and she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended many sports activities of her grandchildren, Husker football games and loved traveling to visit family. She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Melanie; daughter-in-law, LaNelle; five sisters, Mary Graves, Grace Schumann, Carolyn Faulhaber, Marjorie Noble and Helen Anderson.

Survivors cherishing Joanne's memory include her husband of 69 years, Vaughn Carlson; three sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Mark and wife, Linda Carlson, David City, Nicholas and wife, Debbie Carlson, Placerville, CA, Craig and wife, Vicki Carlson, Belton, TX; 11 grandchildren: Brad and wife, Megan Carlson, Daniel and wife, Jenna Carlson, Laura and husband, Ethan Larsen, Taylor Carlson, Noel and husband, Dixon Kinney, Alia and husband, Matt Pomey, Cole Carlson, Lauren Carlson, Lyndsi Carlson, Faith Carlson and Grace Carlson; 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Joanne.