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In Memory

JoAnn Corcoran (Duke) - Class Of 1950

JoAnn Ruth (Corcoran) Duke
05/02/1932 - 11/18/2007

JoAnn Duke, 75 of Gering, Nebraska died Sunday, November 18, 2007 at her home. A graveside family only service and inurnment were held Saturday, November 24, at West Lawn Cemetery for JoAnn Ruth (Corcoran) Duke. JoAnn was born May 2, 1932 in McCook, NE to James and Ruth (Rogers) Corcoran. She attended school in McCook graduating in 1950. She married Robert Warburton in 1951. They moved to Gering in 1955. Four children were born to this union. She married Donald Duke on May 1, 1982. Don preceded her in death in 2001. She was a stay at home mom for most of her children's growing up years. She was a member of the first LPN class at St. Mary's Hospital and employed at local nursing homes. She enjoyed working with the elderly and was extremely compassionate when doing so. She enjoyed traveling until she became fearful of flying at which time her traveling was limited to the places that she could corral her oldest daughter, Diane into driving her. She loved her grandchildren and worried about them constantly, one of her "favorite" pastimes. Whether it was a little wager on the Broncos-Steelers game with Jason, being amazed at how quickly the great grandchildren were growing or sharing "Loganisms", she talked about her grandchildren frequently.
She loved to read often finishing a new book the same day she received it. When not reading, she crocheted. Everyone in the family should have at least one, if not more of her infamous afghans. She seemed to know that the end was near as she told all of her children that the afghan she was making for great granddaughter Courtney, would probably be her last. This is just another example of her pre-planning and being prepared. Another example is evident in her checkbook, so don't be surprised when you get your Figi cheeses and snacks for Christmas. JoAnn was definitely organized and thorough. In recent years, she would join her friends at the Pond or the Legion. Just prior to her death, she took up line-dancing which was quite a shock to all. She was thrilled about learning the Cowboy Boogie and threatened to teach everyone how to do it, including her doctors. Although her death was unexpected, she seemed to have gained peace about the prospect. In the last month, she stated frequently that she was not going to worry about something over which she had no control. Her family was the most important thing to her and she relished the time that she was spent with all of them. She is survived by 3 children; daughter and son-in-law Diane and Jim McKnight of Scottsbluff, son and daughter-in-law Jim and Liz Warburton of Gering, and daughter and son-in-law Dr. Shannon and Scott Black of Ceresco; seven grandsons, Jason Runge of Cheyenne, Dr. RJ Runge of St. Louis, Ray Runge of Minatare, Tyler Rosenau of Harrison, Jesse and Danny Warburton both of Scottsbluff and Logan Black of Ceresco. She had 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, brother, Rodney Corcoran and infant son, Danny Lee Warburton.