Joanne J. Ochs passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Providence Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was 89. She was born August 2, 1933 to Ralph and Betty (Bromell) Brown in Leavenworth. For over 40 years Joanne and her husband Vernon owned and operated the Leavenworth Dairy Queen. Together they were also actively involved with the CW Parker Carousel Museum, beginning with the restoration effort. They loved to travel, and visited 5 continents and much of the United States. Joanne was a longtime active member of Southern Heights United Methodist Church. Joanne grew up in the rural Leavenworth farming community and attended Bell School. She had many fond memories of growing up on her grandparents' farm. She was active in the Bell 4-H Club. In 1952 she was selected as the winner of the state educational award for outstanding club work, community service and activities, which permitted her to attend the National Club Congress in Chicago courtesy of Santa Fe Railroad. In 5 years she completed 29 projects at a net profit to herself of $2052.34. Additionally she entered 76 exhibits of her projects at the
county, Topeka and Hutchinson fairs. In 1950 she was county champion in the better methods electric contest, county project achievement girl, and winner of food preservation, garden and home improvement. In 1951 she was again the county champion in food preservation competition. She served Bell Club as reporter for one year, secretary treasurer for two years, and county council member and treasurer for two years. Joanne graduated salutatorian of the Leavenworth High School class of 1951. After high school she worked for Hallmark Cards. On November 14, 1954 she
married Vernon Ochs one month after his return from his army deployment in Korea. They were wed at Michigan Avenue Methodist Church in Leavenworth. Joanne and Vernon had four children: Richard, Nancy, Mary Ellen and Daniel. Joanne was involved in her children's activities including PTA, scouting, attending every band performance or sporting activity and helping with homework. She taught kindergarten Sunday School for many years. She also enjoyed crochet, quilting, sewing, baking and gardening. She dearly loved spending time with her 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vernon, her brother Charles Brown, her son-in-law Jack Copeland and her grandson Christopher Soden. She is survived by her son Richard (Judy) Ochs of Park City, KS, daughters Nancy Copeland of Shawnee and Mary Ellen (Jack) Soden of Wichita, and son Daniel (Patty) Ochs of Wichita, granddaughter Jill (John) Walrod, grandson Justin (Hayley Cheatham) Ochs, granddaughters Stephanie (Jay) Hobson, Emily (John) Hayes, Kristen (Johnathan) Nichols, and great-grandsons Barrett Walrod, Deacon Ochs, and Milo Nichols, all of Wichita.
There will be a visitation Friday October 14 from 6-8 pm at Davis Funeral Chapel. The service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday October 15 at Southern Heights United Methodist Church. A graveside service at Mt. Muncie will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Southern Heights United Methodist Church or Children's Miracle Network.