Joanne Marie Barthels

Joanne Marie Barthels, affectionately called “Grandma,” “Mimi Jo” and “Mimi” by her grandchildren, passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 84. Joanne loved her Lord Jesus and would share about Him with anyone given the opportunity. She affectionately adored her family and invested her time, energy, and prayers for those she loved. Her home was filled with joy and laughter, vibrant color, and deep connection.

Right after World War II “broke out” in 1942, Joanne was born on April 25 to her parents John and Shirley Black in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the older sister to Carolyn Hudak and John Black Jr.

Joanne spent her early childhood in Arizona. When she was 9, they moved to Missouri, where her father ran the Mazona Stock Farm, a family ranch. They moved back to Phoenix when she was 13.

She spent her high school years in Phoenix and attended the University of Arizona in Tucson. She graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. During her senior year in college, she met Dan Barthels. She thought he was crazy but cute. And he was smitten with her. Joanne took her first teaching job in Huntington Beach, California, and taught 3rd and 4th grade. Danny sold his car to buy an engagement ring. He hitchhiked and took the bus to California to propose. They were married on June 25, 1965, in Phoenix.

Danny and Joanne were surprised in 1968 to discover they were pregnant - with twins! Matt and Mike were born October 12, 1968. And in 1972, they found out they were pregnant again - with another set of twins! Greg and Gwynne were born November 29, 1972.

In 1973, they moved the family to Bellevue, Washington, miraculously surviving a car accident on the way. They found a beautiful home in Horizon Heights, which was a new neighborhood at the time. This is the same home Joanne raised her children and lived the rest of her life in until her passing.

Joanne continued to teach and substitute for 3rd and 4th grade while her children grew. She committed herself to her children’s education and sporting events, and also volunteered at their schools. She and Danny took the kids on many trips to see family in Arizona, took them to volunteering opportunities in their community, and spent lots of time outside camping, hunting, and fishing.

Around this time, Joanne was invited to come to a neighborhood bible study by a new friend Karen Klett, who became a dear friend as time went by. This is where Joanne truly heard the gospel. That day she knelt on the floor by her bed and prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior in 1974 at age 32.

Ten years later, Danny felt the LORD was leading them from First Presbyterian Church to Overlake Christian Church. In 1985, Danny tragically passed due to a cardiac arrest. Joanne courageously raised her children as a single widow. She continued to teach elementary school for the next 20 years in the Bellevue School District.

In 2009, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She fought that disease for 17 years, and unexpectedly the LORD took her home on September 24, 2026. The LORD showed His faithfulness to her through her entire life, even in her death.

She loved being a Mom and a Grandma to her 8 beautiful grandchildren and a Great-Grandma to two adorable great-grandchildren. She spent every minute she could traveling and visiting family. Of course, she never wanted to miss a party and loved having fun and laughing. She enjoyed time in her garden, coffee dates with friends, and numerous Bible studies. The most important relationship to Joanne was her relationship with her LORD and Savior Jesus.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Shirley Black, her sister Carolyn Hudak (Bill Hudak), her husband Dan Barthels, her in-laws Ted Barthels, Mary Barthels, her sister-in-law Gwynne Barthels Pedersen (Lars Pedersen), her nephew Eric Pedersen and niece Ann-Eve Pederson Eckerstrom.

Joanne’s legacy is carried on by her four children: Matt (Lauren), Mike (Cathrin), Greg (Jennifer), Gwynne Barthels Dalseg (Randy); her 8 grandchildren: Corey, Cole (Vitória), Karly, Violet, Cody (Esther), Daniel (Amelia), Ellie, and Sidney; and 2 great-grandchildren: Sybil and Tommy; her brother John Black (Marilyn), sister-in-law Toni Barthels Schwarting (Steve), brother-in-law Dick Barthels (Donna), and numerous nieces and nephews, church family, friends, and neighbors.

The family would like to thank the many loving nurses, caregivers, friends, and family members that generously took care of Joanne and came to her aid throughout her battle with leukemia, providing meals, rides, visits during her many hospital stays, constant prayer and supportive devotion to her. She would not have lived so long without your love.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bellevue Young Life - https://bellevue.younglife.org/