JoAnn Swank

JoAnn Swank
January 25, 1936 – February 3, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 80

JoAnn Swank, 80, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. She was born January 25, 1936, in Mahaska County, the daughter of George and Goldie Huff Gabel.

JoAnn graduated from Barnes City High School with the class of 1954. On December 4, 1955, she was united in marriage to Wilburn “Jim” Swank at Pella, Iowa. Jim died March 21, 2002.

Following their marriage, they moved to California. JoAnn worked as a welder in an aircraft manufacturing plant. In the mid 1970’s they moved back to Iowa. Together they owned and operated a diner in Otley for a few years. JoAnn worked for her step-son Jim Buffington at Edgetown Furniture in Oskaloosa for over 20 years.

JoAnn was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed her pets, hunting mushrooms, fishing, and playing cards.

Her family includes her sister, Marjorie (& Virgil) Thompson of Marshalltown; two step children: Jim (& Sue) Buffington of Oskaloosa and Linda (& Robert) Fisher of Carroll, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Norma Steffen and Barbara Sytsma; and two brothers: one in infancy and Lawrence Gabel.

As was JoAnn’s wish, her body has been cremated and no services are planned. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial may be made to Stephen’s Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa.