Joan Clare Johlfs

Joan Clare Kippels Johlfs Joan Johlfs passed away at her home in Las Vegas on July 13, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Born in Moorhead, Minnesota on August 10, 1932, Joan was the only child of John Adolf Kippels and Leona Ross Kippels. Joan graduated from Moorhead High School in 1950 and spent vacations traveling with friends around the United States. In 1956, she married Dean Henry Johlfs who was enlisted in the United States Navy. With Dean, she was able to continue her love of travel. They were stationed in Paris, France when Dean worked with NATO and in Sangley Point, Philippine Islands. Dean retired after their tour of duty in Woodbridge, Virginia and they moved to Las Vegas in 1993. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Johlfs McGahey (Tim), Johnson City, Tennessee and Mary Johlfs (Barry Burress), Falls Church, Virginia and grandchildren, Matthew Dean McGahey (Jessica Glasscock McGahey), Johnson City, Tennessee and Taylor Burress, Fredricksburg, Virginia. She is also survived by her nieces, Cathy Johnson Dillon (Cary, NC) and Margie Johnson Jensen (Charles City, IA). Joan had exquisite taste and enjoyed decorating and keeping a beautiful home. An animal lover, she always had special and treasured pets in her home. She was an intelligent woman who loved learning and rarely missed watching Jeopardy. A voracious reader, she also bowled, played tennis with friends, attended many Las Vegas shows and enjoyed dining out in Las Vegas’ many fine restaurants. She and Dean had a running battle as to who played poker correctly. She let it be known that she held the family record for 4 of a kind jackpots. If you care to remember Joan, please donate to your favorite animal shelter or Humane Society or support your local library or literacy project with a donation in her name.