Joanne J. Haakinson

Joanne Jessica Haakinson, 81, affectionately known as J.J. or Jay by family and friends, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023, due to complications from influenza. Born April 17, 1941, in Sioux Falls, SD Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Haakinson. She is survived by her two children, Bill (Ocean) Waller of Indianapolis, IN and Antoinette (Jonathan) Lessuk of Los Angeles, CA; two sisters, Betty Elgin and Gwen Haakinson-Brown of Des Moines; brother, William (Lori) Haakinson of Des Moines; and her beloved grandchildren Jasmine, Jessica, and Jonah; great grandchildren and many nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Joanne was a strong woman of many talents. Going to school in Des Moines she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1959. She immediately began her life’s journey striking out for California to begin her career, following in her father’s footsteps, to become a banker. Starting as a teller working her way up to becoming CFO. Her many accomplishments and achievements show a life well lived. She graduated from the prestigious School of Banking in Seattle. Was the CFO at Bank of Sacramento, CFO at the Bank of San Francisco, and Lloyd’s Bank. Then being tapped first by President Bush then President Obama to serve in the Office of Thrift Supervision rising to Assist. Deputy Director with an office overlooking the White House. She then retired from Government service while living in Chicago and moved back to her hometown of Des Moines to be with her siblings. Joanne served as an Elder and Deacon at Central Presbyterian Church, was active in P.E.O. and several book clubs (she was a voracious reader), and was a great lover of pets. Joanne loved to travel all over the world. Her favorite way to see places was by cruise ships and took too many trips to even count.

While not one to put up with any foolishness, she was an unbelievably generous and kind person.

She will be sorely missed.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Central Presbyterian Church, 39th and Grand in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time in the East Parlor at the church. The service will be live streamed on Central’s Facebook page.

Memorials can be directed to Central Presbyterian or the UnityPoint Des Moines Foundation.