Joan T. Harbeck

Joan T. Harbeck, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Adel, Iowa, at the age of 91.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM at the Church of the Nativity. A visitation with the family will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the Church of the Nativity Parish Hall. 

Born on September 28, 1933, in Le Mars, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Valeria (Ross) Yoerger, Joan’s life was a testament to love, commitment, and service to others. She graduated as salutatorian from Liberty High School, where she achieved honorable mention on the All-State basketball team for her defensive prowess. She then earned her Bachelor of Science degree and continued her basketball career at Briar Cliff College.

Joan dedicated her early years to raising a family, instilling values of kindness, hard work, and a love for learning. Joan married Gene Harbeck on June 30, 1954. After teaching at Holly Springs High School and devoting herself to raising her children, she embarked on a successful career at Sears that spanned nearly 30 years.

As a dedicated member of her community, she served on the funeral committee for the Church of the Nativity and participated in MNO for over 50 years. Her unwavering faith and commitment to helping others shone through in all that she did.

Joan’s love for gardening brought beauty and joy not only to her home but also to family gatherings. She cherished traveling, especially when it involved fishing trips with loved ones, creating memories that she held close to her heart. Joan also had a passion for birdwatching, playing the piano, enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, loved to read, and was a gifted cook and baker.

Her family was the center of her world. She is survived by her loving children: Cathie (John W.) Jackson of Winterset, IA; Deb (Todd) Brown of Urbandale, IA; Jeff (Jean) Harbeck of Polk City, IA; Dave (Beth) Harbeck of Waukee, IA; and Dr. Mark Harbeck (Dr. Sokol Todi) of Ann Arbor, MI. Joan was blessed to have ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren who filled her life with love, laughter and joy. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers: Leonard (Pat) Yoerger of Eagan, MN; Leon (Pat) Yoerger of Merrill, IA; Dr. Stan (Joan) Yoerger of Merrill, IA; Gordon (Ruth) Yoerger of Merrill, IA; and Ronald Yoerger of Reseda, CA; and sister-in-law: Darlene McSparran of Surprise, AZ.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Harbeck, her parents, Frank and Valeria Yoerger, and her sisters Jeannie Nemmers and June Bowers.

Joan’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Megan, Jenna, Jamie, and the rest of the compassionate staff at Hospice of the Midwest for their unwavering dedication and care. They also wish to thank the wonderful team at Adel Acres for their kindness and thoughtful attention during Joan’s final days.

Memorials may be directed towards the Hospice of the Midwest in Johnston, Iowa.