Mary JoAnn Stessman was born on June 7, 1935, to Maurice and Helen (Shanahan) Heffernan. She attended school in Ute and graduated from Ute High School in 1954. After graduation she worked at the Ute State Bank, First National Bank in Omaha, Neb. and Gordons Jewelry in Omaha. On Nov. 27, 1958, JoAnn was united in marriage to Donald Stessman at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling. JoAnn was blessed to be able to stay home with their five children. The family lived by Earling, between Woodbine and Dunlap and in 1972, they settled in their home in Dunlap.
JoAnn was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap and the Alter Society. She loved to bake, especially chocolate chip cookies. JoAnn made Christmas stockings for each member of her family and also loved to quilt. She enjoyed cards, especially Canasta, and reading books. Most of all, JoAnn enjoyed attending the grandkids sporting events and cherished her time with her family.
JoAnn died on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, surrounded by her family, at her home in Dunlap at the age of 86 years, seven months and nine days.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joe and Tim Heffernan; twin sister, Janet Feser; and grandson, Brandon Vaughan. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donnie Stessman of Dunlap; five children, Mike Stessman and his wife Katie of Des Moines, Marty Stessman and his wife Heather of Topeka, Kan., Janet and her husband Shawn Vaughan of Omaha, Neb., Patrick Stessman and his wife Diane of Omaha, and Len Stessman and his wife Jen of Omaha; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Mike Heffernan of Bonner Springs, Kan.; and many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap. Officiant was Rev. Joel McNeil. Musicians were Karen English and Ann Gredys. Honorary Pallbearers JoAnn’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Pallbearers Michael Stessman, Jonathan Vaughan, Kelsey Vaughan, Meg Messina, Hayden Stessman, Joey Stessman, Sam Stessman and Jacob Stessman. Final Resting Place St. Clair Cemetery in Ute at a later date.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements.
