Joann Jane Bissell

JoAnn was born on December 18, 1933, and grew up on a farm in Edgewood, Iowa. She was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Dorothy Gearhart. JoAnn graduated from Edgewood High School in 1951. A year later, on August 4, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Dale Bissell, in Houston, Texas, where Dale was stationed in the Air Force. Soon after they were married, Dale was shipped out to Korea. While Dale was away, JoAnn moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and lived with a friend, working as a telephone operator for Southwest Bell. When Dale returned a year later, he and JoAnn settled in Rantoul, Illinois, at Chanute AFB. JoAnn continued to work as a telephone operator on the base.

In 1963, Dale and JoAnn left Illinois and moved to Denver, Colorado. They adopted their first child, Tim, in April 1965. Following his birth, JoAnn became a homemaker in order to raise their family. Soon after the adoption, Dale was relocated to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In March 1969, they adopted a daughter, Pamela.

Dale retired from the military in 1971, and they moved their family to Fort Collins, Colorado, where they built their first home, and spent the remainder of their lives. JoAnn and Dale enjoyed traveling the world, and spending time in Blackhawk at the casinos. They also loved bowling, camping, playing cards, and cheering on their children in sports. JoAnn was an avid Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan. She rarely missed a game on TV.

Following Dale’s passing, she adopted a puppy named Molly which helped fill the emptiness in the house. JoAnn spent time reading, doing puzzles, playing computer games, reading jokes, and sending emails to friends and family. She could often be found outside tending to her yard in the summer. She also spent time sitting on her back porch - her favorite thing to do. The last few years of her life were difficult as her eyesight severely deteriorated from macular degeneration. She struggled to do all the things she loved, including driving her car.

JoAnn was a very caring, compassionate, and kind person. She was easy to talk to, a true and loyal friend. She was always willing to help someone in need. Her family was her pride and joy. She made sure they were protected and well cared for. She loved unconditionally and made many sacrifices. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She’d even laugh at herself, and was a joy to be around. Having visitors made her undeniably happy, and she could sit and talk for hours. She was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all that were blessed to have known her.

JoAnn’s husband of 60 years, Dale Bissell, preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Tim Bissell of Windsor, Colorado and her daughter Pamela Bissell-Huxell (Timm) of Fort Collins, Colorado. She also leaves two grandchildren, Taylor Huxell of Fort Collins, Colorado and Zachary Huxell of Bremerton, Washington, and three great-grandchildren, Jaxson Alexander, Emalynn Brumit, and Savannah Brumit. JoAnn’s brother Roger Gearhart (survived by Jeanne) preceded her in death.

Tim and Pamela would like thank their family and friends for providing so much love and support, especially during the last few difficult months of her life. They would also like to thank Pathways Hospice for providing comfort for JoAnn prior to her passing.

A Memorial Open House will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, at 3271 Stanford Road in Fort Collins. Parking is available in the Macy’s parking lot. Please stop by as we celebrate JoAnn’s life.

You may visit www.allnutt.com to view JoAnn’s online obituary, sign the guest book, and send a message of memories and condolences to the family.