Joan Harden

Joan L. Harden, age 90, of Grant, Neb., passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.

Joan was born on Dec. 13, 1932, in Champaign, Ill., to her parents, Orville and Anabel (Dodge) Harden. After graduating from Tolono High School, Joan pursued higher education, eventually attending Illinois Wesleyan University where she obtained a Master’s degree in education.

Joan’s life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the education of others. She spent many years as a dedicated educator, serving as a beloved teacher and mentor to countless students throughout her career in Champaign and Aurora, Colo. Joan’s passion for teaching was evident in all aspects of her life.

Joan will be remembered as a kind and caring teacher who always put her students first. She had a talent for making learning fun and engaging, and her enthusiasm for education was contagious. Joan’s dedication to her students was unwavering, and she remained committed to their success long after they had left her classroom.

Joan loved her visits and telephone calls with family and friends. She was an avid reader and movie watcher and kept her mind sharp with her crossword puzzles.

A memorial has been established in Joan’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Joan is survived by her brothers, Steve Harden (Roslyn) of Lemoyne, Neb.; and John Harden (Margie) of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Anabel Harden and sister Judy (Jerry) Wilson of Tolono, Ill.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.