Joanne Potts

Joanne Potts, age 94, of Elk Horn, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn. Funeral service will be at 11 AM on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn. Visitation will be from 10 AM until 11 AM on Saturday at the church.

Naomi Joanne, daughter of Carl and Martha (Hansen) Lykke, was born March 2, 1927, at home in Elk Horn, Iowa. She attended school in Elk Horn and graduated from Elk Horn High School in 1944. She then attended Iowa State University for a short time and lived in Enumclaw, Washington and Fargo, North Dakota.

On August 1, 1948, Joanne was united in marriage with Kenneth Potts in Fargo, North Dakota, where they lived until moving to Ken's family farm southwest of Elk Horn in 1949. Four children were born to this couple. They farmed and Kenneth ran an electrical business, Elk Horn Electric, on Main Street in Elk Horn. For a few years, Ken and Joanne also incorporated a variety store and antique store into his business. Eventually, the business became strictly an antique store known as "The Peddler" which Joanne operated until their retirement in 1998.

Joanne was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church and quilted for many years with women of the church. She was also a member of the Red Hat group, volunteered with hospice and served as a census taker for several years. Joanne enjoyed volunteering and visiting at Salem where she served on the Board for a number of years. Throughout the years, she enjoyed gardening, playing at card club, being a 4H Leader, and raising Irish Setter puppies.
In 2019, Joanne became a resident of Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn where she passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2021. She was 94 years of age.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth Potts in 2004, a brother Maurice Dean Lykke, a sister Honor Sanville, brothers-in-law Wallace Potts and Ezra Potts, and a sister-in-law Ruby Kielau.
Joanne is survived by her four children: Karen (Mark) Tompkins of Ames; Tom Potts of Elk Horn; Gloria (Bruce) Ahrendsen of Panora; and Tim (Tracey) Potts of Shelby; six grandchildren: Michone Riewer, Lisa Coblentz, Nate Potts, Steve Ahrendsen, Luke Ahrendsen and Kylie Ahrendsen; eleven great-grandchildren: Zach Coblentz, Cade Coblentz, Alexandria Kuhlman, Nicholas Riewer, Trey Sander, Aiden Potts, Anna Potts, Georgia Ahrendsen, Baylor Ahrendsen, Lyla Ahrendsen and Asher Ahrendsen; and by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In Loving Memory of Joanne Potts

Funeral Service Saturday, November 6, 2021 ~ 11:00 AM
Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, Iowa

Reverend Keith Mentor, Officiating

Congregational Hymns "I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry" "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art" "In The Garden" Judy Watson, Pianist

Recorded Selection "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" Eva Cassidy