Joanne Spurlin

Joanne Spurlin, 67, formerly of Humboldt, went peacefully to Jesus held by her daughters on June 10, 2024, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital after years of suffering from a medication-induced brain injury and neurological akathisia.

Visitation services open for friends and family will be held at Laufersweiler Funeral Home on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 3 PM at Audubon United Methodist Church in Audubon, Iowa.

Joanne was born to Donald and Jean Parle on February 28, 1957, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She was raised alongside her two sisters and four brothers in Humboldt, Iowa. She graduated from Humboldt High School in 1975, later becoming a registered nurse.

Joanne was an intentional and devoted mother to Jacqueline and Jenna raising them to love reading and writing, to see beauty, believe in God, hunger for learning, and care for others while enjoying the simple sweet things of life. Joanne was warm, funny, and timeless. For many years she was a beloved pediatric nurse in Memphis, Tennessee, and later worked at the Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Because of her illness, Joanne became unable to speak in 2011 and resided in a care facility. In faith, she trusted Jesus as her Savior. She lit up when her daughters prayed, sang, and danced with her. Over the last fourteen years, she was deeply loved by her family and those who cared for her. She was cherished.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain”. Revelation 21:3-4

As her family, we both long to be with her again and rejoice for her life now freed of pain. Joanne is survived by her two daughters, Jacqueline (Jason) Jennings, Jenna Spurlin, two grandchildren Judah and Jordan Jennings. As well as her siblings Donna Jean (Michael) Shekey of Fort Dodge, Mary (David) Bradley of Urbandale, Michael (Debbie) Parle of Fort Dodge, John (Tami) Parle of Thor, Dan (Dawn) Parle of Humboldt, and Jerry Parle of Ames.

More information about Joanne’s illness can be found at the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition.

Cards may be forwarded through Laufersweiler Funeral Home.