Joanne B. (Michels) Veach, 78 of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Her final days were filled with meaningful goodbyes, visits from dear family and friends, and the comfort of having those she loved most close by. 

Visitation will be held 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, October 30, 2026 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Graveside Services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 31, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Joanne was born June 30, 1948, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Lorraine (Mueller) Michels. She graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in 1966. Joanne lived a life that was simple in many ways, but rich in all the things that truly mattered. On April 26, 1969, she married the love of her life, Jack Veach. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and an appreciation for the little things. They didn’t need much to be happy. Some of their sweetest moments were spent simply sitting together by the fireplace or on the front porch, sharing a can of Pepsi and enjoying each other’s company. It was never about having the most or doing the most. For Joanne and Jack, being together was enough.

Together, they raised five children: Jamie, John, Jason, Jodi, and Justin. Joanne was a mother who loved deeply and wasn’t afraid to rule with a firm hand. She taught her children the importance of hard work and getting through life’s challenges without complaining. She could be stern when she needed to be, but beneath that toughness was a tender heart and a love for her family that never wavered. Her children knew that no matter how old they became, she would always be their mother, looking out for them and wanting to protect them. Throughout her life, Joanne worked at the Savanna Army Depot, John Deere, the Pro Shop, United Livestock Sale barn, Richman’s Café. But the work she took the greatest pride in was raising her children and standing beside Jack as they built their life on the farm. It was a life that required sacrifice, determination, and plenty of hard work, but it was a life she loved. Joanne found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed playing cards especially with her card club friends, trying her luck at the casino, a good game of bingo, and taking rides in the side-by-side. But nothing brought her greater joy than time spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She loved watching their ball games, cheering them on, and simply being part of their lives. It didn’t have to be a special occasion. Just having everyone together was special enough. The family farm held a particularly meaningful place in Joanne’s heart. It was where she and Jack had built their life, raised their children, and created countless memories. After Jack passed away in 2020, her family encouraged her to consider moving into town, but Joanne had other plans. The farm was home, and she wasn’t ready to leave it. There was still too much life to enjoy there. She loved watching her children and grandchildren spend time on the land, whether they were riding or outside playing, taking the side-by-side out, enjoying tractor rides, or gathering together afterward for Geno’s pizza. Those ordinary days became some of the most treasured memories. Joanne’s life was not without heartache. In 2015, she endured the unimaginable loss of her son, Jason. Then, in 2020, she said goodbye to Jack, her husband and companion of more than 50 years. Those losses left a heartache that never truly went away. Yet somehow, Joanne continued forward with the same quiet strength that had carried her through so much of life. Even while carrying her own grief, she still found reasons to laugh, share a little humor, strike up a friendly conversation, and offer companionship to others. She had a way of carrying her own broken heart while still making room for everyone else. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Joanne’s story does not end here. Through her faith and the promises of Jesus Christ, we trust that she was held safely in the palm of His hand as she left this world and was welcomed into her heavenly home. We find peace in imagining the beautiful reunion awaiting her, once again with Jack, Jason, and the loved ones she had missed for so long. Joanne may not have lived a life of grand gestures or extravagant things, but she leaves behind something far more valuable: a family she loved fiercely, a lifetime of memories, lessons that will be carried forward, and a reminder that some of life’s greatest blessings are found in its simplest moments.

Survivors include her children, Jamie (Penny) Veach, John (Kim) Veach, Jodi (Ryan) Kilburg, and Justin (Katie Schumacher) Veach; daughter in-law, Casey Veach; 21 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Kate) Michels, Jeanette (Darel) Felderman, Barb (Terry) Jensen, and Jeff (Barb) Michels; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gail Michels, Chuck (Rose) Veach, Dick Veach, Doug (Linda) Veach, Anne Veach, Dave (Julie) Veach, Pat (Cindy) Veach, and Kenny (Bonnie) Veach.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Lorraine Michels; her husband, John “Jack” Veach; her son, Jason Veach; her sister, Nancy (Don) Knockel; her brother, Greg Michels; sister in-law, Joyce Veach; and brothers-in-law, Ronnie Veach and Joe Veach.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com or Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service Facebook Page.