Joanne Marie Flanders

Joanne Marie Thuerwachter Flanders

Joanne Marie Thuerwachter Flanders was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on October 6, 1940 to George and Lenore (Mietzel) Thuerwachter. She graduated from Goodrich High School in 1958 and began her lengthy nursing career in 1960. She met her husband Danial Flanders on a double date and they married on July 31, 1965. Joanne died on Saturday, May 27 at home.

Joanne is survived by her husband Dan, of the home, as well as her son Eric Flanders (Robin) of Memphis, Tennessee and her daughter Elizabeth (Brian) Pitts-Hibbard of Duncan. Joanne had three grandchildren who were the joy of her life: Harper Pitts, Annabelle Flanders, and Hugh Flanders. She is also survived by her sister Georgene Pitzner of Appleton, Wisconsin and sister-in-law Judene Lederer as well as nieces and nephews Kristen (Lederer) Duerson, David Lederer, Christie (Pitzner) Lalande and Kyle Pitzner.

Throughout her life, Joanne was dedicated not only to her family but to nursing. She worked at various hospitals and clinics and served as a school nurse and hospice caregiver before continuing her education at University of Oklahoma where she earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing in 1988. She then began educating nursing students at Cameron University and Midwestern State University before retiring Professor Emeritus from MSU in 2005.

Joanne was also a gifted pianist and organist and played at churches and events everywhere she lived. She often joked that there was not a church organ in town that she hadn't played, whether at her home church or as a substitute organist. She helped countless families celebrate weddings, helped congregations worship, and joined with those who mourned the passing of a loved one.

Even in death, Joanne continued to help the medical community by donating her body to the OU Health Science Center for research and educational purposes. Her family is proud to know that her legacy as an educator lives on through her selfless gift.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 1pm at All Saints Episcopal Church in Duncan under the direction of Bailes Polk Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the charitable organization of your choice.