Joanne Lee

Joanne Lee, 69, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, DeWitt.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Joanne M. Beuthien was born on August 12th, 1955 to Harold and Helga (Weiss) in Salzburg Austria. When Harold finished his military tour they brought their daughter back to the States. He then married Mary Jane (Cochran) Spriggs and they raised their family in Lowden, Iowa. Joanne graduated from Lowden High School in 1973. Later, that same year she met the love of her life, Sam Lee. The couple married on April 6th, 1974 and made DeWitt their home where they raised their 3 children. After working over 12 years at DeWitt Eye Care, she then worked over 20 years at The Feed & Grain Store, where she had recently retired. She was also the co-owner and treasurer of 5L livestock.

Joanne was a devoted member of the United Church of Christ in DeWitt, where she poured her heart into her faith and community. She found joy in teaching Sunday School, serving on the diaconate board and board of trustees, and guiding young minds as a youth leader. Her passion for helping others extended far beyond the church. Joanne was a fierce advocate for the Clinton County Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was also a trusted Avon representative for over 45 years, building relationships and brightening lives with her warm spirit. Joanne had a special place in her heart for youth, mentoring as a 4-H leader and making meaningful connections through the school's Lunch Buddies program. She and Sam shared a deep commitment to their community, actively supporting local agriculture as members of the Cattlemen and Pork Producers associations. Through every role she held, Joanne’s kindness, dedication, and generosity left a lasting impact on those around her.

Joanne, known as “Mama Bear” to all of her family and friends was famous for her homemade salsa, secret lasagna recipe, candy drawer and her Happy Friday posts. And let’s not forget that “tall glass, light ice, one shot of black velvet, and Diet Pepsi, with a lime”.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Sam; children, Jennifer (Tom) Banowetz, Jason (Amber) Lee; grandchildren, Taylar Banowetz, Seth (Marion) Eickert, Tori Banowetz, Spencer Lee, Alivia Lee, Magdalyn Rinard, Addison Lee, and Sadie Rinard; greatgrandchildren, Cayman, Hadleigh and Zealand; her 3 brothers, Robert (Joy), David (Julie), Donald (Tammy) Beuthien; her sister, Tina (Hans) Ruprecht; and all of her beloved Lee in-laws.

She was welcomed to heaven with open arms by her son, Austin, her parents, Harold and Helga, her stepmother, Mary Jane Spriggs, her in-laws, Bill and Betty Lee, a brother Norman and a Special Aunt and Uncle, Florence and Pete Schneider.

In lieu of flowers or gifts donations can be made to Clinton County Make-A-Wish Foundation at 1507 Honey Ln. Clinton, Iowa 52732, or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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