JoAnn Ferleman

JoAnn Ferleman, 90, passed away Friday, May 20, 2022 at Accura Healthcare of Ames after a long battle with Dementia. Funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Ames with visitation from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa, IA.

JoAnn Smith was born January 15, 1932 to Harold and Elsie Smith in Maquoketa and was their only child. Maquoketa was a special place to grow up and she cherished many memories of her childhood there. JoAnn graduated from Maquoketa High School and then attended University of Iowa. She later moved to California where she spent several years and later moved back home to Iowa and resided in Davenport. It was there she met the love of her life, Paul Ferleman. The two were married September 28, 1963, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport. The couple started their family in Davenport, then later moved to Long Grove, Iowa, and finally to Ames.

JoAnn was a gifted pianist and enjoyed playing the piano until she was no longer able. Even until her final days she would randomly burst into song and enjoyed listening to music. She enjoyed visits from loved ones and would often ask about one of her grandchildren because to her they were still little kids.

JoAnn is survived by her two children, Tina (Gary) Gorman of Ames and Bill (Lisa) Ferleman of Council Bluffs; grandchildren, Josh (Kristine) Gorman, Hannah Gorman, Jacob Gorman, Caleb Ferleman, and Megan (Austen) Claar; and one great granddaughter, Eliana Gorman. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Paul.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Accura Healthcare and Suncrest Hospice.