Joann R. Whittle, 87, of Elkader, died Monday, November 16, 2020, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born December 25, 1932, rural Geddes, South Dakota, to Andrew and Adela (Bartekoske) Shea. The family moved to Iowa when JoAnn was very young.
She was united in marriage with Malcolm Whittle on November 8, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. The couple was blessed with five children. Throughout the years, JoAnn worked as a telephone operator, did babysitting in her own home, worked at the Elkader Wire Factory and lastly, was a cook at Scenic Acres. She was a very hard worker, always putting family first. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially getting to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by all as someone with a quick smile. JoAnn was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
JoAnn enjoyed going fishing, mushroom hunting and playing cards.
Survivors include her children, Richard (Julie) Whittle of Elgin, Steve Whittle of Elkader, Kathy (Mike) Leistikow of Decorah, Doug (Janet) Whittle of Watertown, WI, and Dave Whittle of Elkader; ten grandchildren, Shawn (Alicia) Whittle, Amanda (Adam) Schmitt, Jeremy (Megan) Whittle, Cody Whittle, Colton (Keri) Whittle, Nathan (Tracy) Leistikow, Erin (Dustin) Vercande, Jason Whittle, Andrew Whittle and Jacob Whittle; ten great-grandchildren; her brother Timothy (Arlene) Shea of Tennessee, sisters, Rose (Cletus) Meyer of Dubuque, Judy Davies and Patricia Bromley of Florida and Marcy Kelly of Montana and one brother-in-law and sister-in law, Norbert (Dorothy) Whittle of Milwaukee.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Malcolm; brothers, Bernard, Joseph, Frank, Norman and Martin in infancy; sisters, Geraldine, Evelyn and Vernita.
A private graveside service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elkader will be held with Rev. John Haugen officiating.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family with arrangements.