Joan Clara Gleason

We bid farewell to a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Joan Clara (Himmelberg) Gleason, 90, of Ft. Collins, CO, peacefully passed away and entered into eternal life on September 19th 2024. Joan was born on October 19, 1933 to George and Hilda Himmelberg of Lawrence, NE.

Joan, born at home on the farm, was the eldest of nine children, she would often reflect on the many things she did to help her father with his chores. She attended a one room school house through the 8th grade. She went on to complete her schooling in Nelson, NE where she graduated high school with honors in 1951. After graduating she moved to Superior, NE. While in Superior Joan worked as a secretary for a law firm and later became employed with the Bureau of Reclamation. In 1953 Joan met her husband to be, Clyde Gleason. On May 21, 1955, Joan and Clyde, along with Joan's sister Charlene and Clyde's brother James, in a double wedding, took vows to love, cherish and honor. Their matrimony took place at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Superior, NE. Joan, always wanting a big family, gave birth to 9 children. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in May of 2020. Throughout the 65 years of marriage, they found themselves in various towns, as Clyde's job required moving where he was most needed. They landed in Salida, CO in 1966 where they remained for 38 years.

Joan assumed many roles, her devotion to her family as a homemaker was her primary job, which she did exceptionally well. In addition to nurturing her own children, she took in others as a daycare provider; however, as the youngest started school she became office manager and bookkeeper for a local clothing store where she worked for 11 years. After the clothing store closed their doors, she became bookkeeper for various businesses and ended her working career as a general office administrator for the radio station in Salida.

Throughout her life Joan enjoyed serving God. Her commitment to her spiritual beliefs were evident by her selflessness, always serving others and treated everyone she met with kindness and respect. She was an active member in the Catholic Community. She cared for the homebound, making sure that they received the Eucharist each Sunday, made food for those in need, was the organizer for faith education sharing her knowledge and love of her Catholic faith by teaching CCD/RCIA. In addition to being a core group member of the RENEW program, Joan served on the Parish Council and was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society. Her servant's heart did not stop there, her father suffered from heart disease so of course she became the chairman of the Heart Fund, raising money for the American Heart Association. While in Salida she was the past director of the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce and past president of Salida Merchants Association, was a member of the Salida High School booster club, active member of PEO, involved in the Title 1 reading and math enrichment program, an active member of her political party, a member of the hospital Board of Director, and an avid Bridge player. In 1984 she was honored as Salida's Woman of the year. In May of 2004 Joan and Clyde made the decision to move closer to their children living in northern Colorado. Joan's selfless heart could not rest, she remained active in her grandchildren's lives, supporting, loving and caring for them and remained faithful to her church community. She continued with a servant's heart until she suffered a stroke on July 25th, 2024.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Gleason, her parents George and Hilda Himmelberg, granddaughter Katelyn Jardine and brother-in-law James Gleason. Joan is survived by her nine children: Donald Gleason, Rex and Denise [Gleason] Bell, Ed and Renee [Gleason] Holloway, Daniel and Debra Gleason, Richard and Cindy Gleason, Jeff and Rhonda [Gleason] Wolff, Timothy Gleason, Thomas and Rose Gleason, Chris and Kimberly [Gleason] Cribari. Eight siblings: Charlene [Himmelberg] Gleason, Howard and Delores [Himmelberg] Schutte, Kenneth and JeanAnn Himmelberg, Ronald and Susan Himmelberg, Marion and Rebecca Himmelberg, Marvin and Marietta [Himmelberg] Smidt, Allen and Virginia [Himmelberg] Bodenhammer and Michael and Anita Himmelberg. Joan had 22 grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 15 step great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was known to NEVER forget a birthday and loved each one equally. Joan will always be remembered for her generosity, kindness and words of wisdom. Memories of her will never be forgotten and her legacy will live on. She will be greatly missed!

Services for Joan are: Rosary and Memorial to be held on October 17th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5450 So Lemay Ave, Ft. Collins, CO. Funeral Mass to be held on October 18th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (address above). There will be a luncheon immediately following the funeral in Seton Hall, located on church property, all are welcome. Joan will be laid to rest at 2:00 on the 18th at Grandview Cemetery, 1900 W. Mountain Ave, Ft. Collins.

Thank you to her many friends for your visits, kindness, friendship and prayers, to her family for your unconditional love and support, and to all of you who have sent cards, gifts, etc. your thoughtfulness is much appreciated!

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.