Joanne Stollenwerk

Joanne Stollenwerk passed away Friday October 4th, 2024 in Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 84. She leaves her brother Jim Stollenwerk, daughter Greta Brown and son Philip Brown. She was preceded in death by her daughter Mary Stollenwerk Andrews, husband William Andrews, sister Carol Bengston, and sister Mary Berg.

Joanne was born October 2nd, 1940 to parents Joseph Stollenwerk and Lillian Johnson in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She attended grade school and high school in Detroit Lakes. She attended college at Gustavus Adolphus University in St. Peter, MN.

She married James Brown in Brainerd, MN August 10th, 1963. They moved to Guttenberg, Iowa where they they had their first child, Greta. For a time, her younger brother Jimmy lived with them. They moved to Albia, Iowa where their second child, Philip was born. In 1971 Joanne, Jim, Greta and Phil moved to Kansas City. Joanne and Jim owned and operated a small Antique/Novelty shop in downtown Lee's Summit. Missouri. The shop didn't survive long, but much of the inventory did. There were times when Greta and Phil asked for money and were told they could sell some of those items door to door. Phil does not remember this but Greta claims she actually made some money in this endeavor. Her sales skills have since remained largely hidden. Joanne and Jim would not be able to overcome irreconcilable differences and were divorced in 1975.

Joanne began work in her chosen profession as a Social Worker. It was during her work with the Metropolitan Inter-Church Agency that she met Bill Andrews who was working with the Presbyterian Church. A spark was ignited that led to their marriage in 1977. Much to the chagrin of Greta and Phil, Bill joined the family and introduced some much needed structure and discipline. On reflection, both Greta and Phil are very grateful for the character building exercises on which Bill insisted. Well, they are grateful for the results more so than having to live through the exercises. Joanne was glad to have help with the kids, who were beginning to run a little wild, by some accounts.

Joanne held a handful of other Social Work positions over the course of her career. Most notably, she worked with the Division of Family Services for the state of Missouri. She spent many years there helping young mothers obtain help in taking care of their children. She also worked for several years at Children's Mercy Hospital. She definitely had a soft spot for babies and children.

After retiring, Joanne took up a home business; “Sweet Baby Soaps”. While successful, it didn't hold her interest long. She also got a couple looms and made some really nice pieces. She wore one of her shawls to the day she died. There were other pursuits we'll not mention in the interest of time. At the age of 60 Joanne decided that in the absence of grandchildren and Social Work, she and Bill needed to enter the Missouri Foster Care Program. Committal was discussed among some of the relatives and friends, but not followed through. They fostered their first child, Mary, in 2000. It was love at first sight. When Mary came up for adoption, the couple jumped at the opportunity. Joanne's sanity was again questioned, but there was no stopping it. Both Joanne and Bill were smitten. They took Mary to play dates, swimming, Luther Point family camp in Grantsburg, WI, dance classes, skating classes, music classes and more. Mary brought so much joy to their life and vice versa. It has been said that Mary won the lottery when she landed them as her adoptive parents.

Joanne lived her final years at Armour Oaks retirement community in Kansas City. She made some good friends, as she always did, and enjoyed their company. Greta and Phil had the pleasure of spending many days/evenings/nights with her there. She was a joy to be with, till the very end.