Obituary of JoAnn Nida

JoAnn Nida, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Born on July 8th, 1932, in Centerville, Iowa, JoAnn was the daughter of Forrest Frederick Hiatt and Gail Hiatt (Main). She spent her early years in Moravia, Iowa, before settling in Newton, Iowa during her grade school years.

After graduating from Newton High School in 1950, JoAnn embarked on a journey of love and family. On February 14th, 1953, Valentine’s Day, she exchanged vows with LaVerne Nida, promising to each other a lifetime of valentines.

JoAnn dedicated herself to various roles, including employment at Maytag Dairy Farm, Vernon Company, and working as an Avon Sales Representative while raising her boys. Her commitment to both family and work reflected her steadfast and nurturing character.

JoAnn's passions extended beyond her professional and familial duties. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as playing cards and board games, crocheting and avidly following Hawkeye basketball games. Together with LaVerne, she explored the wonders of travel and camping in their cherished motorhome, creating countless memories along the way.

Devoted to her faith, JoAnn was a charter member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newton, where she was active for more than 60 years.

JoAnn will be remembered fondly for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy of laughter and joy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her sons David (Cheryl) Nida, Craig (Ann) Nida, Mark (Carla) Nida, and Steven (Jennifer) Nida; sister Roberta Long; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband LaVerne Nida; son Randy Nida; sister Marilyn Molleck; and her infant brothers Forrest Jr. and Roger Hiatt.

In honoring JoAnn's memory, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Wesley Life Hospice, or Wake Up Narcolepsy.

Funeral Services will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newton on Friday, May 17th, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. A livestream of the service will be held on the Pence-Reese Facebook page. The family will greet guests at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Newton Union Cemetery in Newton, Iowa following the service.