Joan Atwood

   On the morning of July 8, 2019, Myrtle Joan Atwood, age 79, of Sioux City, IA. Joan or Joanie to family and friends, passed away peacefully at home this morning after winning a courageous and debilitating five-year battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Joan was born at home to Joseph and Laura Schimberg on November 20, 1939 in Le Mars, IA. A lifetime resident of Sioux City, Joan was a proud 1959 Central High School graduate. On November 25, 1959 she married the love of her life, Harley Clair Atwood. After high school, Joan worked for the S.S. Kresge Company in their pet department. She retired in 2001 from the Sioux City Community School District’s Nutrition Department.

   During Joan’s life she served as a rock to her family as a loving wife, caring mother, doting grandmother and delighted great grandmother. When not caring for her family Joan was a pillar of Westlawn Presbyterian Church; avid league bowler and golfer. In the summer she would often be found tending to her garden and in the winter she would be proudly displaying her Christmas Lights for the community to enjoy. When she was not involved in these activities, Joan could be found playing bingo; finding new recipes to prepare for family and friends; or baking her famous banana bread.

   Joan is survived by her husband of 59.5 years Harley Clair. Her 3 children, William “Bill” (Becky), Michael “Mike” (Loretta) and Lorna Jones (Tony); 5 grandchildren Tony, Lindsey, Jennifer, Melissa and Andrew; and 10 great grandchildren. Additionally, Joan leaves behind a sister, Barbara Clausen and many friends and relatives. Joan was preceded in death by her father Joseph Schimberg and mother Laura Schimberg. Father-in-Law Harley Atwood and Mother-in-Law Dorothy Atwood. Her sisters Mary Torno and Loretta Schimberg and her brother Joe D. Schimberg.

   Joan’s family will receive friends at a public viewing at Westlawn Presbyterian Church (2521 W. 4^th Street, Sioux City, IA 51103) at 10:00 am on Saturday July 13, 2019. A Memorial Service to honor and remember her life will follow at 11:00 am. At the conclusion of the memorial, all are invited to a lunch downstairs in the Westlawn Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. A graveside service will then be conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery at 6605 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106. All services will be officiated by the Reverend Paul Speidel. All arrangements are being handled by Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51104.