Joan Curtis

Joan (Jamison) Curtis passed away on August 23, 2026, after a brief and sudden illness. Born at home on March 6, 1942, before the doctor could arrive, Joan grew up in Ivesdale, Illinois. She was the valedictorian of the Bement High School class of 1960 and went on to attend, and later work at, the University of Illinois, in Champaign. During her time in Champaign, she was set up on a blind date with William Curtis, whom she would later marry, on August 8, 1964. Bill and Joan lived in Illinois until relocating to Missoula, Montana, in 1967 before settling in Lincoln in 1970. She lived in Lincoln for the next 56 years, raising four kids, and working as a secretary in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of History until her retirement in 2000. Joan loved gatherings with extended family and friends and sharing conversation, music, and laughter. All were made welcome at her table.

Joan is survived by her husband, William Curtis, and her children Catherine (Marc) Leadabrand, Timothy Curtis, Brian Curtis, and Patricia Curtis, as well as her grandchildren Meghan Leadabrand, Matthew Leadabrand, Zamira Hack-Curtis, Joel Hack-Curtis, Dashiell Hack-Curtis, Nathan Hack-Curtis, Cooper Curtis, Rowan Curtis, and Maximilian Steiner. She is also survived by her brother, Lester Jamison, and her brother-in-law, Melvin Stoerger. She is preceded in death by her father, Estel Jamison; her mother, Bertha Jamison; her brother, Billie Jamison; and her sister, Doris Stoerger; and sister-in-law, Glenda Jamison.

Joan's memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm CDT at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 5200 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68504.

Joan's life was a testament to her deep love for her family and her unwavering faith. We invite all who knew Joan to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page, as we remember and celebrate her compassionate and loving spirit.