Joann Steen Walmer

JoAnn Walmer, the daughter of Kenneth and Dorothy Reinke Steen entered our world on July 28, 1938 in Hartley, Iowa. JoAnn spent her early years on a farm near Hartley, first attending Hartley No. 7, a country school, and then going on to high school in Hartley. She loved being on the farm where she rode horses, milked cows and had numerous pets. JoAnn was a great 'big sister'. JoAnn took great pleasure in roller skating both in Spencer and Arnolds Park and this is where she met her future husband Scott Walmer. After marriage JoAnn and Scott lived for a short time in Tampa, Florida where he was stationed in the Air Force. Before moving back to Spirit Lake, they owned and operated 'The Flame' motel in Sulphur Springs, Texas. JoAnn worked as a bookkeeper, much of the time at Parks Marina. Later she and her husband owned and operated The Gingham Inn in Spirit Lake where she met and made many friends. During this time she continued to stay in touch with many of her friends from high school. They met for lunch, shopped and laughed...laughed a lot! She loved playing bridge, working crossword puzzles, cooking, gardening, reading Stephen King and she definitely loved her Pug, Tony. JoAnn loved shopping...and she was very good at it. She was also very good at quilting...by hand...she didn't use a sewing machine. Many family members and friends have been blessed with quilts, wall hangings and pictures made with love by JoAnn. She got a kick out of movies and craft shows and the Iowa Hawkeyes. JoAnn passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, on April 1, 2012 after a long illness. She faced life's challenges with great kindness and tolerance and was loved by everyone she touched. She leaves behind a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Elizabeth of Scottsdale, Arizona, two grandchildren, Nathan and Ellen, and a sister Karen Seversen of Spencer, Iowa, other relatives and many friends. TO THOSE I LOVE, AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile, and say 'Welcome Ho

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