JoAnne Blakeslee

JoAnne Blakeslee, a beloved soul, entered this world in Brush, Colorado, on October 15, 1940, as the cherished daughter of Alice and Andy Christensen. She shared her life's journey as the younger sister to Darleen, and the older sister to Ray, Larry, and Rex. She and her family briefly lived in Venango Nebraska during her high school years in 1956. JoAnne proudly lent her musical talents to the marching band at Venango High School where she graduated in 1958. Shortly after, JoAnne and her family moved back to Brush Colorado where her father opened “Andy’s Phillips 66”, a full service gas station. She had a job working at a car dealership before moving to Denver with her close friends to work at Martin Marietta.

Beyond the notes of the band, JoAnne's life composition took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Jack Blakeslee, at Sam's on Lookout Mountain, a local establishment where she and her friends frequented to connect with members of the Air Force. Following a brief engagement, Jack and JoAnne exchanged vows in 1962 on a day etched in their hearts.

Soon after, JoAnne embraced the role of a proud mother, welcoming her son, Jeffery, into the world. The Blakeslee family then set roots in Arvada, where they would spend the remainder of their days. JoAnne's heart expanded even further with the arrival of her daughter, Jennifer.

Professionally, JoAnne worked at home typing forms for the Hartford Insurance Company, so she could be close to her children. When her children were grown, she served as a secretary at Rocky Flats before gracefully transitioning into the role of a full-time grandma, showering her five grandchildren with love and joy. Her kitchen was a hub of warmth and delight, where she baked her famous cookies and shared the art of creating lasting memories.

JoAnne found joy in the simplicity of life—traveling, playing bridge, baking her famous cookies, collecting beanie babies and, above all, hosting heartwarming Christmas celebrations that brought family together. Her kindness, love, and caring nature touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

After a courageous battle with cancer, JoAnne peacefully joined her beloved Jack and daughter Jennifer on December 15, 2023. Though she may no longer be physically present, the echoes of her kindness and love will resonate deeply in the hearts of those she leaves behind. JoAnne's memory will be a beacon of warmth, and her legacy of love will be cherished by all who were touched by her presence.

JoAnne is preceded in death by bother her parents, her husband and her daughter Jennifer.

She is survived by her son Jeff (Lori) Blakeslee of Arvada, granddaughter Jordin (John) Atteridg of Thornton, grandsons Colton Blakeslee of Broomfield and Preston Blakeslee of Ft. Collin’s, son-in-law Mark Guthrie of Westminster, granddaughter Jennesa (Art) Yanez (great grandchildren Arturo, Austin and Kayleigh) of Johnstown, and Andrew Knight of Thornton.

A visitation for JoAnne will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 9:30 AM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary Pavilion of Reflection, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

A committal service will occur Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

A reception will be held at Sue Christensen’s house at 12:00 PM at 5375 Eldridge Street, Arvada, CO 80002