Joan H. Ness, 69, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 at home surrounded by family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Dec 15, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque with Fr. Bosco Aruldoss officiating. Burial followed at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.
Joan was born on Aug. 24, 1956, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Racine, the second of ten children born to Edward Donald and Helen Drusilla (nee Brenton) Oberhart. Joan was raised on a small farm in southeastern Wisconsin. She hailed from strong German stock, was embraced into the Roman Catholic tradition, and learned early the family values of a strong work ethic, a sense of loyalty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice.
Joan attended primary and secondary schools in Waterford, and once graduated, she attended Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, where she earned Bachelor of Arts Degrees in both Public Relations and Spanish.
Joan met the love of her life, Sheldon “Butch” Ness, and married on Oct. 3, 1992, at St. Sebastian Church in Milwaukee. They lived most of their life together in the rolling hills of East Dubuque, Illinois. All who know them as a couple will tell of their uncommon, profound love for one another.
Joan had a varied career, including serving in the Air Force as a reservist. She also did public relations, marketing, writing and editing for various companies in both the private and public sectors, with her final service at the Scenic Valley Agency of Aging in Dubuque, Iowa. Joan was a lifelong volunteer. She spent time dedicated to popular causes such as Kidzone, Friends of the Library, and United Way and in numerous less seen acts of kindness and charity. She did not serve for recognition or praise. She served because compassion was the compass that guided her daily life.
Throughout Joan’s life she walked with the image of Jesus leading the way and His Blessed Mother at her side. Joan lived her life striving to follow Christ’s way.
Joan is survived by both her mother; her husband; her precious children and stepchildren, Michael J. (Maria) Kegley, Shana R. Hinze, Jeremy J. (Sarah) Ness and April L. (Noah) Francois; grandchildren Gabriel, Michael, Marc, Jayden, Hannah, Addison, Noah, Cody, Summer and Trent; siblings, Donald E. (Mildred) Oberhart, Barbara A. (Ed) Gillmore, Jacqueline A. (Paul) Satter, Julia M. (Karl) LaMaide, Thomas J. (Diane) Oberhart, Bernard P. (Leslie) Oberhart, Carl R. Oberhart, and John
- (Terri) Oberhart; aunt Agnes Brenton; uncle Jim Brand; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lastly, Joan is survived by her toy poodle, Boone. Boone came to Joan six years ago, on Dec. 2, 2019, as a young pup. From the moment they met, they were inseparable. Joan carried Boone in her arms for the first four years of their life and he remained continuously at her side, until the end. He now sits at the window, waiting for Joan to return.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Hospice of Dubuque, with special thanks to Jessica RN, Hayle CNA, Stephanie SW, Laura MT, and Karlyn Volunteer. Additionally, Deacon Doug Kramer from St. Mary’s Parish, and the early team in Joan’s care, Dr. Brian Sullivan, Dr. Michael S. Peroski, Alec F. Anderson Psy. D., and Conner Golden, PA. Neurology.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52002.
The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is serving the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.