Joanne Marie Kresl, age 82 of Hemingford, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Ponderosa Villa Care Center in Crawford. She was born October 2, 1943, in Alliance, Nebraska, the daughter of William R. and Virginia M. (Delsing) Campbell. Joanne graduated from St. Agnes Academy Catholic High School and subsequently attended a Denver nursing program.
Although Joanne had a passion for nursing, she married Edward Kresl on May 4, 1963, and began raising her family. She was blessed with five children and became a devoted mother. Her family became the most important part of her life.
Joanne was blessed with a small farming community of friends and family. She touched the lives of so many with kindness and modesty. Even through her many struggles, she showed empathy and caring for others. Joanne enjoyed spending countless hours visiting residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities and the convent. She worked as a private caregiver for the elderly for nearly ten years.
Joanne had many hobbies. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, gardening, and farm life. She was an active member of Altar Society and the religious education programs of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.
Every day, Joanne was always grateful and blessed to have her strong and steadfast faith in the Lord. She would not say “Goodbye,” but would send you on your way with “God Bless You.”
A Gentle Journey
May the road open gently before you
And the wind be soft at your back
May the sun warm your face
And the rain nurture your fields
And until we meet again
May you rest safely in God’s hand
Anonymous
Joanne is survived by her children, Kenneth Kresl of Castle Pines, CO, Karen Stephens (Steve Baker) of Rio Verde, AZ, Karla (Edgar) Hunt of Parkville, MO, Kevin Kresl of Hemingford, and Kalvin (Heather) Kresl of Hemingford; her brothers, Russel (Virginia) Campbell of Alliance, and Daniel (Deb) Campbell of Hemingford; her sister, Susie Nollette of Carrollton, TX; and her sister-in-law, Gay Campbell of Hemingford.
Joanne is also survived by her grandchildren, Erin Stephens (Nick Sherwood) of Santa Clara, CA, Brooke (John) Werner of Missoula, MT, Jacob Kresl of Jacksonville, FL, Thomas Kresl of Jacksonville, FL, Joshua (Kaitlin) Hunt of Phoenix, AZ, Garrett Hunt of Kansas City, MO, Abigail Hunt (Gavin Smith) of Kearney, MO, Carlye Kresl of Hemingford, and Bethany Kresl of Hemingford; and one great-grandson, Emmett Werner of Missoula, MT.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edward Kresl, and her brothers, Arthur and Darrell “Shorty” Campbell.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. Father Matt Koperski will officiate. The Rosary will be recited prior to the Mass at 12:30 p.m. Inurnment will follow in the Hemingford Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association or St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.