On the morning of March 11, 2019 the gates of heaven were opened to receive a true angel. JoAnn N. Astel as been given the glorious opportunity to be reunited with her sweetheart and eternal companion Dale, who passed from this life and began preparations to receive her a mere 64 days prior to her passing. With sadness in our hearts we bid farewell to this exceptional woman, but rejoice to think of her grand reunion with Dale, her son Michael and the countless others waiting for her return.
JoAnn delighted in being a New Year’s Day baby, born January 1, 1934 in Deadwood, South Dakota to William and Fern Neebling. She was a sister to Delores, Jim, Jon and Naomi. When JoAnn was quite young their family relocated to Provo, Utah where JoAnn grew up, went to school and made many memories.
She played the violin in elementary school and went on to graduate from Provo High School. One night after a football game, Provo vs. American Fork, two handsome guys pulled up in a shiny convertible.
One of the young men was Dale, and the rest is history. On November 6, 1952 JoAnn and Dale were married. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in December of 1957.
JoAnn and Dale were blessed with four lively, yet adorable boys, Michael, Kirk, Brian and Eric. JoAnn was an amazing mother and wife. She gave her heart and soul to her boys and her husband.
Whatever the activity, the project or assignment she was right there helping to make it something to be proud of. She was a devoted room mother, den mother, taxi cab for her boys and friends, nurse for skinned knees, counselor when life hit a bump in the road, and teacher on unlimited subjects. She was always so proud of her sons and loved cheering for them in their sporting events and activities.
JoAnn loved to sing. She loved birds, corn on the cob, vacations, babies, soft cozy blankets, kindness, Star Trek, Milky Ways, scalp massages, conversations with friends and loved ones, Mount Timpanogos and, above all, Jesus. JoAnn loved working in her yard and making it beautiful.
Oh, how she loved her flowers! She worked tirelessly making her house a home. Her home was always a of great comfort to all who entered.
JoAnn enjoyed working at the Scera Theater, Z.C.M.I. , Timpview High School, and as a beloved Crossing Guard. Everyone that knew her loved her for her bubbly personality and outpouring of kindness.
JoAnn’s devotion to her husband was second to none. She worked side by side with Dale adding on and remodeling their home as well as many projects over the years, too numerous to count. One of JoAnn’s greatest s of joy was when she could proclaim the Gospel and speak of her Savior Jesus Christ.
She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 24. She served the Lord faithfully in a variety of callings in Sunday School, Relief Society Presidency, Mutual and Primary. JoAnn and Dale were ordinance workers at the Mt.
Timpanogos Temple for three years. In 2005 they had the choice experience of serving a mission in Aba Nigeria for 18 months. The Nigerian people adored JoAnn as she always made them feel such love from her.
JoAnn and Dale also served a mission at the Lindon Cannery for a year. She longed for the day that she could go home and be with her sweet Redeemer. She followed her Savior’s footsteps guiding her back home.
She is now with him in His glory. To those who knew her well, we can all hear her say “Praise the Lord”! JoAnn loved to travel.
Together she and Dale traveled the world. They enjoyed trips to South America, Japan, China, Europe, Africa, Israel, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii. They visited every continent with the exception of Australia and Antarctica.
Of all the places in the world she traveled, her greatest joy was simply being side by side with Dale wherever they were. She loved him dearly and wanted nothing more than to be near him every day. He was her life.
They loved to laugh together. To the very end, they were sweethearts. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was truly one of a kind, and we have all been blessed beyond measure to have had her touch our lives. JoAnn is survived by her three sons Kirk (Janna) Astel of Ammon, Idaho; Brian (Lauri) Astel of Orem, Utah; and Eric (Jennifer) Astel of Logan, Utah. ; 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren with two on the way’; sisters Delores Lewis, Naomi White and brother Jim Neebling.
She is preceded in death by her husband Dale, son Micheal, daughter-in-law Dawn, brother John Neebling and both parents. Viewing will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street in Orem. Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 am at the Orem City Cemetery.
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