JoAnn Evers, 89, of Gering, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bridgeport on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 2pm with Reverend Richard Neugebauer officiating. Inurnment will follow at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in JoAnn’s honor be made in care of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made by viewing JoAnn’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Bridgeport is entrusted with arrangements.
JoAnn was born on March 23, 1935, in Unadilla, NE to John and Anna (Herman) Knickman. She received the gift of Holy Baptism on April 21, 1935, and became a Child of God. She was confirmed in 1948 at North Branch Lutheran Church.
JoAnn was the youngest of three children and grew up on her family farm near Unadilla, NE. She was a graduate of Syracuse High School and then taught country school until her marriage to Eldon Evers on June 25, 1953, at North Branch Lutheran Church near Avoca, NE. Eldon was in the Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and their first home was in Waynesville, MO where she worked at the ASC Office and later at the Paluaski County Extension Office. After Eldon completed his tour of duty, they returned to Lincoln, NE where he completed his education at UNL. JoAnn again worked at the ASC Office in Lincoln.
Eldon took a position with the Bridgeport State Bank in 1958 and Bridgeport remained their home until 2015 at which time they moved to the Residency in Scottsbluff, NE. After raising their children, JoAnn worked as a secretary and was a payroll clerk at the Morrill County Community Hospital. After Eldon’s retirement in 2004, they enjoyed many winters in Sun City West, AZ where they met many friends.
JoAnn loved the Lord and was always involved in church work, attending Bible studies and teaching Sunday School. In her younger years, she was involved in 4-H and was a Girl Scout Leader. Decorating her home was always fun for JoAnn and she also enjoyed dancing, movies and spending time with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Harold (Goldine) and Maynard (Elaine) Knickman; infant twin sister and nephews Doug and Dennis Knickman.
JoAnn is survived by her husband Eldon; children Scott Richard Evers of Salem, OR and Anna Marie (Ricky) Garner of Spring, TX; grandchildren Brandon (Brandi) Stewart, Kaylee (James) Hodges, Kelli (Brad) Fagan, Sam and Adam Evers; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.