March 5, 1936 - June 2, 2014
McCOOK, Neb. -- Joanne Rae (Koetter) Schamel, age 78, passed away peacefully, Monday, June 2, 2014, at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha with family at her bedside.
She was born on March 5, 1936, to Woodrow Raymond and Leola Maxine (Grigg) Koetter in McCook. Joan graduated from McCook High School in 1954.
Joanne married Don Schamel on Feb. 20, 1955, in Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook.
Joanne and her husband, Don, owned and operated Schamel's Auto Supply for over 20 years in McCook.
Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, watching their activities, babysitting and playing games with them.
Joanne was an avid military supporter and worked diligently in her last years to support soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and with providing a Christmas celebration for soldiers deployed to Guantanamo Bay. Joan also was honored to support the Wounded Warrior Project.
Survivors include her husband, Don of 59 years; daughters, Susan (Garry) Malmberg of Omaha, Debra (Rich) Cappel of McCook; son, Don Schamel, Jr. of Indianola and special friend, Jackie; grandchildren, Rich (Maggie) Cappel of Fremont, Sean Cappel of Lincoln, Sara Cappel of Kearney, Melissa Malmberg and Mike Malmberg both of Omaha; great-granddaughters, Emma and Everly Cappel of Fremont; sister, Janice (Norm) O'Grady of McCook; brothers, Raymond "Butch" (Sondra) Koetter of Hemet, California, Martin (Diane) Koetter of Downs, Kansas, and Kenard (Lisa) Koetter of Ellinwood, Kansas; many nieces, nephews and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Woodrow "Raymond" Koetter; mother, Leola Grigg Koetter; loving step-mother, Emma Koetter; and brother, Randy Koetter.
Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2014, at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook from 1 to 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the McCook Humane Society, 100 South Street, McCook, NE 69001.
Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.