Memorial

Joanne J. Baack, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Friday March 13, 2026, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. A visitation will be held on Saturday March 21, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. 

Joanne was born October 27, 1932, in rural Saline County, Nebraska to Carl and Velma (Noler) Paulsen. On October 18, 1952, she was united in marriage to Ivan D. Baack at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. They shared 34 years together until his passing in December 1986.

Joanne was employed as a bookkeeper at Wayne Manufacturing for 34 years. She enjoyed flower gardening, bowling, playing cards and trips to casinos. She liked to travel and was proud to say that she was able to take each of her 7 grandchildren on trips overseas.

Joanne was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids until her move to Westridge Care Center in 2023. There she made many friends and participated in bingo, crossword puzzles, dominos and many other activities.

Joanne is survived by her children, Jerry (Linda) Baack of Evansville, Indiana, Debra (James) Krugler of Morris, Illinois and Sandra (Craig) Kiracofe of Swisher, Iowa. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, her sister, Carol Sell, sisters-in-law, Alice Armstrong, Joyce Paulsen, Rose Paulsen and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Dale Paulsen, Nora Lea Stutzman, Kenneth Paulsen, Robert Paulsen, brothers-in-law, Neal Sell, Clair Stutzman and granddaughter Rebekah Baack.

The family would like to express their gratitude to West Ridge Care Center, whom she considered her extended family, for their loving care and kindness during her stay with them. Also, the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for their amazing care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids or the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha.