I had the great pleasure to know Joan and to count her as a friend. When she ran for Lt. Governor, I accompanied her on the road numerous times. It was my good fortune to get to know her and to understand her ideas on a wide range of subjects. She was a wonderful thinker and a consistent advocate and champion for women's rights. She was influential in my own decision to begin law school at the age of 42. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was blessed to have a wonderful family and a long and productive life. We will all miss her guidance. Jim Arenson

James Arenson
August 19, 2015

There are many inspirational volunteers who serve here at Selby Gardens but Joan is one that I will always remember. She has been a friend and colleague to many and will be missed by all, especially her cohorts in Botany. Joan was a loyal Wednesday volunteer and a member of the Selby Associates, a group who support the efforts of the Gardens through fundraising and advocacy. It was the perfect group for someone with her talents, experience and skills. A founding member of the Marie Selby Legacy Society Joan will also be remembered for her philanthropy. We will miss her. Joan, thank you for all you have done for the Gardens.

Ann Logan
August 20, 2015

Dear Ann and family. Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Joan Lipsky, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend to many! Although we only occasionally shared time with her, that time was most enjoyable! We know her contributions to the community and family will always be remembered and appreciated. Sincerely, Carl and Diana Yost

Carl and Diana Yost
August 20, 2015

I so enjoyed my conversations with Joan. I remember hearing about trips to Russia and to China - more so from Joan than Abbott. For some reason I remember a conversation with Joan in her study. We were talking about President Reagan’s decision to sell F-16s to Egypt. Senator Grassley supported the sale. When discussing the matter Joan said she got a call from Senator Grassley explaining his vote. I was impressed but not surprised. Another moment that stayed with me was when I asked Joan why she had so many yard signs for her election when she was running unopposed. Joan said, “I take elections very seriously.” Cedar Rapids as well as the Jewish community was lucky that the Lipsky’s lived here. Dan Rogers

Dan Rogers
August 20, 2015

Joan brought joy into every room she entered. I enjoyed working with Joan at Selby Gardens. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Nellaine Esworthy
August 20, 2015

Ann, Tad and Susan, John and family, I am profoundly sad. Joan was a very dear and inspiring person in my life. There were so many highlights with her-sitting in her living room with Lee Clancey and Sally Novetske and Susie McDermott and a few others and talking about how women needed to make more inroads in politics (Lee, Susie and Sally were good listeners!), Joan calling me (I was in the basement doing laundry on Woodland Drive) and she asked me to run for the Iowa State Senate (I declined after serious consideration, but I was very honored she thought that much of me). Joan was a mentor to so many. Joan and Abbott had me over for many interesting and delicious dinners at their home. I was very impressed when she led the first million dollar campaign in Cedar Rapids for the CR Art Museum to move to the Torch Press building. And, of course, it was a success! As a mother and grandmother, she has always been a role model. She was SO proud of each of her children, spouses and grandchildren and their spouses. She loved your unique personalities, your education, your careers and your avocations. And she loved it when there were more babies! Marty and I are in Naples, Florida this week and we are very sorry to miss the visitation and service. We send each of you our deep sympathy. Joan will be missed by so many. We are all so vey lucky she was in our lives.

Julianne Smith
August 21, 2015

Joan Lipsky provided a most important role model and personal influence for me at a crucial time in my life. These many years later I remain grateful for her gentleness and concern. Had I never known her, I could not have become the person I am today. Completely aside from her selfless, caring instincts, intellectual brilliance and success, Joan was by any standard a most exceptional woman. I miss her very much. My deepest heartfelt condolences to her wonderful family, especially my close childhood friend Tad Lipsky.

Dennis K Dochterman
August 21, 2015

Joan played a significant role in my career and my administration of the Iowa Department of Human Services during my tenure as Commissioner [July, 1979 to January 1987]. She ably served on the Council of Human Services as Chair and mentored me on both political, policy and substantive matters. She also guided me with my Cabinet, the Division Directors of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities, Planning, Medicaid, Corrections, Youth Services, Aging and Field Operations. She was especially adroit regarding policy development regarding women's and children's issues. Strong in advocacy yet gentle in sharing private guidance and advice, there is no question but that her fingerprints are over much of what today's Iowa Department of Human Services can be proud. As I moved on to Direct Missouri's Social Services Department and the Greater Des Moines Chamber [now The Partnership], I could always count on Joan to share information and opinions, often proactively. She is an Iowa Icon and All my colleagues and I truly respected and appreciated her. Her Family should justifiable be proud of her, a great selfless and most contributive Iowan! mvr

Michael V. [Mike] Reagen Ph.D.
August 21, 2015

Joan was a worthy opponent. I was the 1986 Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor. I truly did respect her as I knew her during her terms in the Iowa House of Representatives.. Jo Ann Zimmerman

Jo Ann Zimmerman
August 21, 2015

Joan was a delightful woman ....what a full and amazing life she had! Earlier this summer, we had a lengthy conversation and she was as articulate, engaging and interesting as ever. I will always be grateful for the kindness Joan extended to our daughter 20+ years ago. Although I was out of town last week and could not join you to celebrate Joan's life, my thoughts were with the entire Lipsky family. My best.....

Tami Pierson
August 22, 2015

I just found out about your Joan's passing today. My mother and dad spoke so highly of her! I know this is a difficult time for you, Susan Tad and the entire Lipsky family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, The Wenkstern Family Wendy Wenkstern Tom Wenkstern Stephanie Pepper

wendy wenkstern
August 22, 2015

My deepest sympathy to all of Joan's family on behalf of the Iowa Women's Archives and the University of Iowa Libraries. Joan supported the Iowa Women's Archives in so many ways--by helping raise funds when it was little more than an idea proposed by her friends Louise Noun and Mary Louise Smith, by donating her own papers to the archives, and most recently by providing generous funding for the archives to preserve the history of Jewish women in Iowa. I greatly enjoyed my many conversations with Joan over the years--such a wealth of knowledge and memory! Joan has been an inspiration to many women students employed in the archives; after working on her papers they remark "What an amazing woman!" or "I wish I could accomplish what she did!" We are honored to preserve Joan's memory through her papers in the archives and through a growing collection of documents telling the stories of Iowa's Jewish women.

Karen Mason, Iowa Women's Archives
August 31, 2015

Nina and I send our deepest sympathies to all our friends in the Lipsky family. Joan was a role model for us both in so many ways, and we treasured knowing her, spending time with her,and being the recipients of her wisdom, experience, energy and her generosity of spirit. Our memories of her continue to enrich our lives. Her remarkable life was a blessing for so many. Our thoughts are with you all . Alan and Nina Weinstein

Alan Weinstein
September 6, 2015