Joann Marie Mcrell

Joann Marie (Hollesen) McRell (58) was born on May 22,1966 in Nebraska City, NE to Alyce (Stoll) Hollesen and Billy Jo Hollesen. Joann grew up in Nebraska City and attended middle school and high school in LaVista Nebraska, where she would officially meet her husband Michael McRell in their junior-senior study hall hour commonly known as ‘the pits.’

Joann and Mike would marry on July 5, 1991, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City, NE.  Their thirty-three years of marriage gave way to three children all of which survive her, her two sons Jacob (Whitney) McRell and Tate McRell; her daughter, Megan (Tim) Spoerl; her 2 grandchildren Milo John and Gracie Jo; and her sister, Amy (Troy) Wynn along with countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joann graduated from Papillion-LaVista High School in 1984.  She moved onto Peru State College in the fall of 1984 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a focus in English and Language Arts.  In 1989, she would take her passion, understanding, wit and humor into the classroom where her impact in education would be just beginning. It wasn’t uncommon for her colleagues to see Joann roaming the halls in her slippers at school, blowing her bangs out of her eyes while coaching volleyball, and lending a hand or ear outside of the classroom to her students to ensure they would be alright. Joann would later receive two master's degrees from Emporia State University in Special Education and Education Administration. In the final years of her life Joann applied her passion and knowledge for education at KSDE (Kansas State Department of Education) as the English and Language Arts Consultant. During her time at KSDE, she continued her work advocating for what was best for children across Kansas in the classroom while inspiring other professionals to do the same as she did throughout her entire professional career.

Joann entered eternal peace in the early hours of July 3, 2024, next to her best friend and partner in life Michael McRell at KC Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. In the days preceding her passing Joann spent her time doing what she did best; sharing countless laughs, memories, love, and wisdom with numerous friends, family, and loved ones.

Joann is preceded in death by her mother, Alyce (Stoll) Hollesen and grandfather, Clyde Stoll. Both of whom were integral parts of her life and helped establish the foundation of what would become her family.

Honoring Joann’s wishes a cremation is planned. The Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. The family will receive friends and loved ones after the Rosary. The funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Didde Catholic Campus Center, 1415 Merchant Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Memorial contributions can be made to METAvivor Breast Cancer Research and Support.  These can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.