JoAnn C. Best

JoAnn Carol Best, 85, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester, Minn. 

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Lay Minister Al Berge officiating.  Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.  A viewing was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

JoAnn Carol Lenning was born Jan. 20, 1938, on a farm in Clear Lake, where her father Edwin worked.  She was the daughter of Edwin and Margaret (DeWolfe) Lenning.  JoAnn received her education in the Clear Lake School System, graduating from Clear Lake High School in the class of 1956.  JoAnn continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.  JoAnn was a registered nurse at Mercy Medical Center North until her retirement.

JoAnn was united in marriage to Roger L. Best her high school sweetheart on Jan. 20, 1956; to this union they were blessed with a daughter, Kathy Ann.  They made their home in a tiny trailer on Roger’s parents farm near Burchinal before moving to their family farm near Clear Lake.  Roger and JoAnn raised cattle, hogs and chickens, along with working full time.  They both had strong work ethics.

JoAnn was an accomplished quilter; it was a long-time passion; where she made many great friendships.  She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, fruit and vegetables.  JoAnn and Roger enjoyed playing 500 with the neighborhood card club, JoAnn also belonged to other neighborhood clubs. JoAnn was involved in 4-H as an exhibitor and 4-H leader and volunteer for the fair for many years. They enjoyed their lake time, making memories having picnics on Farmer’s Beach, swimming and going on friend’s boats. JoAnn was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.  JoAnn enjoyed the last 12 years of companionship with Marly Carlson.  Together they enjoyed many adventures traveling, visiting and cheering on the Green Bay Packers!

JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Dave) Sinnwell, of Mason City; brother, Don (Donna) Lenning, of Ardmore, Okla. and their children, Rick, Jody, Tim, Barb, Lisa, Jim and Dan; sister, Sherri (Bill) Lewis, of San Antonio, Texas and their children, Jayne, Jay and John; her brother, Edwin C. (Patsy) Lenning’s, children, David, Deb, Chuck, Pat and Edwin J.; sister-in-law, Mary Best, of Rockwell; great nieces, Diane Cornick, of Waverly, along with her family, Kiefer, Kaleb and Karissa;  Lori (Kent) Beatty and their daughter, Whitney; special companion, Marlyn Carlson; along with several cousins, other relatives and friends. 

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Margaret Lenning; husband, Roger L. Best; brother, Edwin C. Lenning; sister-in-law, Patsy Lenning; brother-in-law, Don Best; nephew, Dale Best; and niece, Penny Goates.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.