Joanne (Merrill) Lostroh was born in Seward, Nebraska, on November 2, 1929, the daughter of Wiston and Amy (Fougeron) Merrill of Pleasant Dale, Nebraska. She attended Seward County District 17, graduated from high school in Pleasant Dale, and obtained a teaching certificate after attending the University of Nebraska. She married the love of her life, Melvin Lostroh, on August 15, 1948, in Pleasant Dale. She taught at District 64 in Seward County for the 1948-49 school year. Joanne was an excellent cook and homemaker, family farm bookkeeper, and loved joint woodworking projects (shelves, clocks, bookcases, tables, picture frames) with her husband. She chaired the Centennial Book Committee and co-edited the Pleasant Dale Nebraska Centennial History Book 1882-1982. She advised and co-edited the 50 Years of Service Pleasant Dale Rural Volunteer Fire Department May 1942 - May 1992 book. Joanne also researched and wrote multiple family histories. Joanne and Melvin loved square dancing, round dancing, ballroom dancing, and served as President of the Lincoln Square & Round Dance Council. She coordinated and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years. She and Melvin faithfully attended church all their lives and are current members of Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church. Joanne was often seen in public holding hands with her husband Melvin. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in August. Both loved to read the Bible and pray together. Joanne went to be with the Lord at home on February 3, 2015, due to brain cancer, at the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 1 day. Joanne is survived by her husband Melvin; children and spouses David and Lorraine Lostroh of Seward; Kathleen (Lostroh) and John Frohner of Lincoln; Kevin and Julia Lostroh of rural Lincoln; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Julie Lostroh of Lincoln; Stephen and Amy Lostroh, Austin, Ryley, and Audrey of Miramar, FL; Katie (Lostroh) and Bradley Ulrich, Brayden, Sienna, Kiera, Tenley, and Zane of Lincoln; Amy (Lostroh) and Tom Thalls of Seward; Bethany (Lostroh) and Zach Soflin, Brynlee and Piper of Seward; Jonathan Lostroh of Lincoln; Matthew and Amanda Lostroh, and Zipporah of Lincoln; Michael Lostroh of Lincoln; Mary Lostroh of Seward; Brenda (Frohner) and Ryan Sisel, Alexis and Logan of Lincoln; Jennifer (Frohner) and Ryan McGhee, Hannah and Samantha of rural Lincoln; Melissa Frohner of Lincoln; Stacy (Lostroh) and Kane Nordmeyer, Jaiden, Ava, and Lane of Malcolm; Denise (Lostroh) and Travis Pritchett, Calen and Kyler of Lincoln; Mark and Ashton Lostroh, Kase and Evan of Lincoln; Lesley (Lostroh) and Matthew Turek, Mason, Cale, Emma, and Jackson, of Malcolm; Teresa Lostroh of rural Lincoln; and Emily Lostroh of rural Lincoln, sisters Helen Busboom of rural Lincoln, Julia Lee Melichar of Emerald, sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Charles Ott of Omaha, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law Gene Melichar and Harold Busboom.