JoAnn Corcoran, Greenfield, Aug. 27, 2016

JoAnn Kay Corcoran was born Sept. 24, 1931, in Kanawha, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph Andrew and Verola Mae (Hartwig) Yepsen. She passed away on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, at her daughter’s home in West Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 84.

JoAnn attended grade school in Kanawha, Iowa, until the age of 11 then moved to Coon Rapids, Carroll and Jefferson where she finished her high school education and graduated with the class of 1949. She was active as a cheerleader, majorette and baton twirler. She was part of the homecoming court her senior year. 

On Feb. 20, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harry (Bud) Corcoran in Grand Junction, Iowa. To this union, they were blessed with eight children: Denise, Debora, Dennis, Lisa, John, Dan, Laurie and Pat. They lived in Jefferson until 1958 when they moved to Indianola and then to Greenfield in 1959. JoAnn was a homemaker while her children were young. Later she worked at the Sears Store in Greenfield for many years and then the Tiger Drive In. In her early life she liked to sketch and draw still objects. She also enjoyed crocheting and needlework, golf and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. JoAnn was a member of the Greenfield Country Club, Golden Girls Golf League, Ladies Card Group and previous Ladies Bowling League.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud Corcoran in 1994; two daughters, Denise and Debora; son, Dan; brothers, Arlon Yepsen and Jack Yepsen; sister-in-law, Marjorie Yepsen; brother-in-law Jay Lynch; son-in-law Stephen Gleason; granddaughters Angela Ann Gleason and Courtney Maxine Corcoran. 

She is survived by her children, Dennis Corcoran and wife Sally of Des Moines, Lisa Gleason of Des Moines, John Corcoran and friend Vicki of Des Moines, Laurie Nelson and husband Mark of West Des Moines, and Pat Corcoran and wife Jodi of Van Meter; 20 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two sisters, Nadine Lynch of Williamsburg and Donna Duncan and husband William of Goodyear, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Lea Yepsen of Bondurant; one brother, Donald Yepsen and wife Alice of Jefferson; other relatives and friends.         

Funeral service was Aug. 31, 2016, at United Methodist Church, Greenfield, Iowa with Pastor Eric Schubert officiating and Mark Nelson giving the eulogy.

Music was recorded selections “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Amazing Grace.”

Pallbearers were Tom Anderson, Doug Caldwell, Larry Riley, David Christensen, Jim Lisk and Delk Grantham.

Honorary pallbearers were Aaron Corcoran, Adam Corcoran, Bryce Corcoran, Sean Gleason, Marcus Corcoran, Connor Corcoran, Quinn Corcoran, Alex Gleason, Timothy Gleason, Michael Gleason and Christian Gleason.

Floral committee was Becky Kniep, Connie Hockett, Kim Eddy, Joan Newell, Julie Hansen, Lynne Don Carlos, Myra Lisk, Helen Conard, Paula Caldwell, Rose Grantham, Diane Edwards and Sara Daughenbaugh.

Interment was at Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, Iowa.

The Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield was in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.