05/19/2016 - JoAnn Horst

      Jo Ann Horst, 81, of Crawford, Nebraska entered eternal life on May 17, 2016. She was born on February 19, 1935 to parents Ronald and Edna Smith. She was one of two children.Funeral services for 81-year old JoAnn Horst of Crawford will be held this Thursday (May 19) at 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crawford with Pastor Peter Bertram officiating.

     Jo Ann graduated from Crawford High School and attended Chadron State College. Growing and throughout life, she was a generous, happy and loving daughter, wife, mother and friend. Jo Ann was married to Larry Van Arsdale, also of Crawford, NE in Las Vegas, NV in 1957 and together they had five children: Traci Van Arsdale (born in Los Angeles, CA), Brad Lee Van Arsdale (born in Chardon, NE), Bret Charles Van Arsdale (born in Crawford, NE), Scotty Allen Van Arsdale (born in Alliance, NE), and Holly Ann Van Arsdale (born in Covina, CA).

     Jo Ann met Lawrence “Larry” Horst of Crawford, NE who she was happily married to for 20 years until his death in 2014. Since that time, Jo Ann has resided in Crawford, NE where her late husband was laid to rest. She loved Larry’s adult children as if they were her own: Rhonda Miller, Sandy Horst Carrisosa, Debbie Horst. While none of her own children resided in Crawford, in Jo Ann’s final days, Rhonda was her guardian angel.

     When Jo Ann was bringing up her five children in Springfield, SD, she was (and still is) known as “General Joni” by all of neighboring children who sought out her company and enjoyed her cakes, cookies, donuts and ice cream with her.

     Jo Ann got the nickname “Joni” because loved Happy Days, and she looked like Joni on Happy Days when she was a child. “General” was added later because try she might to be firm with her children, she had too much of a sweet spot for all of them, and she would start smiling or laughing while scolded them.

     JoAnn is survived by her five adult children, Traci Van Arsdale (Michael McCrary) of San Mateo CA, Brad Van Arsdale (Holly), Casper WY, Bret Van Arsdale (Tammy), Tulsa, OK. Scott Van Arsdale (Kathy), Nowata OK, Holly Van Arsdale, Greeley CO, 3 grand children, and 8 great grandchildren. Also, her sister Lavona Lemons (Larry) Loveland CO. nieces Jill and Holly, and nephew Jay.

Burial will be the Crawford City Cemetery.

Visitations will be open today at Chamberlain Chapel in Crawford.

Memorials to Bethlehem  Lutheran Church may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com