Johanna Horstmeyer

Johanna Helen (Wilson) Horstmeyer

December 13, 1934 – July 16th, 2022

Johanna (Hanna) Horstmeyer, age 87, went peacefully to her next journey on July 16th, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She is finally together with her love, Elmer (Fuddy).

She is survived by her sister, Bonnie Shideler, whom she often jokingly called “mom”; her two daughters: Caren and her husband Gary Alton; Lynne and her husband Milo Ruffcorn; her two sons: Eric and his wife Michelle Horstmeyer; Martin and his wife Melinda Horstmeyer; plus 11 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, 5 great granddaughters and 7 great grandsons.

Johanna was born on December 13th, 1934 to her parents, Conrad and Gladys (Follett) Wilson. She is preceded in death by her parents and, the love of her life, Elmer “Fuddy” Horstmeyer and their baby boy Joey.

Early in her marriage to Elmer, Hanna loved the precious times they spent square dancing with a group of tight knit friends. Even today, the hilarious stories of their square dancing antics remain firmly lodged within the Horstmeyer family lore. Hanna had many other interests including sewing and gardening with an especial love of tulips. Nonetheless, perhaps her favorite pastime was camping and traveling with Elmer.  Whether just the two of them, or including some combination of children and grandchildren, their camper was seldom idle.  Even during the winter months, she and Elmer transformed into snowbirds and ferried their camper to the warmer climates of Arizona. There, of course, she befriended a whole new set of cohorts and fresh adventures ensued.

Hanna first met Elmer at a roller-skating rink he managed. She recalled becoming immediately enamored by his crisp white shirt and skinny black tie placing his “savoir faire” leagues above all others.  It was here that he swooped past her gliding on one skate and stole her heart.

Two years later on May 7th, 1955 Elmer and Hanna were married at the St Francis Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  They moved to Woodbine, Iowa in 1965 where they hung their hats until 2005.  They then spent their remaining years in Colorado save for those warm Arizona winters. Hanna and Elmer started their family in 1957 where she then became a full-time mother, teacher, and nurse to her 4 children.  She instilled a strong sense of love, self-reliance, and self-confidence into her children. Through love, she encouraged a playful toughness sharing with her rough and tumble kids her injury philosophy, “if you aren’t bleeding and your limbs are attached, go back outside and play!” This tirade, of course, was always followed by her distinctive snicker, whether the kids heard it or not...

A full and happy life was Hanna’s, brimming with family love and grand adventure. We who knew and loved her have been blessed by her amazing presence and will miss her deeply. Rest well, Hanna, until we see each other once again.

Together Again

Let the Journey Begin

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, and as a tribute to Hanna’s giving nature, please donate to your favorite charity or offer a helping hand to your neighbor. In respect of Hanna’s wishes there will be no public services. The family thanks you for all your gracious thoughts and prayers.