Alice Joann Ehlers, daughter of Henry Irl Brokaw and Alice Irene (Pool) Brokaw was born July 2, 1940, in Hebron, NE. She was one of two children born to her parents. Joann passed from this life Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, NE at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 6 days. Joann was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Hebron, NE. She was baptized on January 22, 1950 by Rev. Parker and confirmed on April 6, 1952 by Rev. T.W. Shepard. She attended Hebron Public School and graduated in 1958 from Hebron High School. Joann was married to Robert Cox and to this union two daughters were born, Tami and Teri. Later she married Melvin Ehlers and daughter, Traci was born. Melvin was in the USAF. The family was able to travel and lived in several locations, including overseas, finally settling back in Hebron, NE in 1977. Joann worked as a clerk at Ben Franklin variety store, Central Market, and at True Value Hardware. She worked other jobs in the community and enjoyed everyone. Joann was on a bowling league and participated in Nebraska State bowling tournaments. She was involved in many Methodist Church organizations, was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and volunteered at Thayer County Health Services Guild. She always enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their activities and talking to one or more of her daughters daily was a highlight. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Henry and Alice Brokaw, her husband, Melvin Ehlers, and brother, Leland Brokaw. Joann is survived by her daughters, Tami Atwood and husband Rod of Omaha, NE; Teri Estes and husband Dana, of Devol, OK; Traci Virus and husband Mark of Hebron, NE, stepdaughters, LaVerna McNamee of Lafayette, LA and Lisa Christensen and husband, Kelly of Youngsville, LA, 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

Private family memorial services were held at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Brian Faust officiating.

A virtual service may be viewed on the Chester/Hebron Methodist Church Facebook page. Inurnment is at the Hebron City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church.
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On Friday the Hebron community is invited to come by the funeral home and sign Joann's register book. During this time you will be able to see a pictorial video of Joann's life and the memories that everyone will be able to share. Please come between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm. Her family will appreciate that you took the time you came to sign her book and share a written thought.

Due to the present circumstances and the Directed Health Measures, the Memorial service for Joann will be limited to her immediate family, Saturday, November 14th. On the Hebron Methodist Church Face Book page the service will be streaming live.