Joan Stevens

Joan M. Stevens, 63, of Manly, formerly of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Clear Lake Christian Church, 302 US-18, Clear Lake, IA 50428, with Rev. Drew Riejtens officiating. Her family will greet friends and relatives beginning at 9:30 a.m. Joan will be laid to rest at Clear Lake Cemetery, beside her beloved mom.
Joan “Joanie” Marie was born October 19, 1961, in Mason City, the daughter of Gerald Ernest and Mary Jo (Christensen) Stevens. She grew up in Clear Lake and graduated from Clear Lake High School with the class of 1980.
Joanie found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. Some of her fondest memories were made at the Half Moon, the family’s restaurant, where she loved spending time with relatives in the familiar comfort of good food and conversation. She was an avid reader who enjoyed browsing through bookstores, and she cherished her quiet walks outdoors, soaking in the peace of nature. Joan always looked forward to going out to eat or watching movies at the theatre, especially when it meant time spent with those she loved. Holidays with family were especially dear to her, filled with warmth, laughter, and connection.
In more recent years, Joanie embraced life at the care center with her usual cheerful spirit. She enjoyed crafts, looked forward to BINGO, and had a laugh that could light up a room. Her kind and joyful presence made a lasting impression on those around her. The caregivers who looked after her didn’t just care for her; they came to truly love her. Their compassion showed in every small act, and Joanie, in turn, brought light into their lives.
Her faith was a steady and central part of who she was. Joan’s church family at Clear Lake Christian Church held a special place in her heart. She often wrote out prayers and quietly kept watch over those around her. She had a gentle way of loving others that reflected a deep and enduring faith, a quiet, thoughtful grace that stayed with her throughout her life.
She is survived by her sisters, Debbie (Jeff) Heine, Clear Lake, and Kathy (Bryan) Nielsen, San Diego, CA; aunt, Pat Severson, Clear Lake; nieces and nephews, Alyssa (Nathan) Groom, Urbana; Erinn Heine, Clear Lake; Kelsey and Kira Nielsen, San Diego, CA; great nieces and nephews, Ellie, Henry, Aubrie, and Hendrix;cousins, Becky Hanssen and Vicki Severson; as well as relatives, friends, and countless caregivers.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald E. Stevens and Mary Jo (Paul Reichardt) Stevens; sister, Annette Stevens; maternal grandparents, Herbert and Eleanor (Sobiekski) Christensen; paternal grandparents, Lyle and Jeanette (Bardsley) Stevens and uncle, Vern Severson.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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Clear Lake Mirror Reporter
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