Joan M Anstoetter

Joan M. Anstoetter, 93, of Dubuque, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born Joan Marie Knepper on August 24, 1932, to William and Ida (Kremer) Knepper, she grew up attending country schools and graduated from Saint Paul’s High School in Worthington, Iowa, in 1950. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Mount Mercy School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids in 1951 and worked as a registered nurse at Xavier Hospital, Tri-State Dermatology, and Mercy Hospital until her retirement in 1992.

In 1955, Joan married John Joseph Anstoetter at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington. Together they raised four children: Janel, Steve, Mark, and Karen. John preceded her in death in 2018. Joan was known for her warmth and creativity in the kitchen, famous among family and friends for turning refrigerator leftovers into delicious casseroles and for keeping a bottomless cookie jar filled with treats, especially her homemade turtles at Christmas. After retiring, she volunteered for many years at Mercy Hospital, Presentation Lantern, and Stonehill Care Center. She remained active with bridge, hand and foot, euchre, and golf at Lacoma Golf Club, enjoying regular games with cherished friends. She also found joy in reading, sewing, and crocheting.

A devout Catholic, Joan attended daily Mass at St. Anthony’s, the Cathedral of St. Raphael, the Church of the Resurrection, and the Chapel at Stonehill Communities Assisi Village. She was deeply loved by her family and friends, many of whom shared her lifelong passion for cards and conversation.

Joan is survived by her children Janel (Steve) Stoffel, Steve (Cheryl) Anstoetter, Karen (Greg Burgmeier), and Mark (Martha) Anstoetter; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings Mike Knepper and Ida Trumm; and several in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and many beloved siblings and extended family members.