Joan M. Racely

Joan M. Racely, 85, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Monday, August 4, 2014 at Legacy Gardens in Pender, Nebraska. Funeral services for Joan will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Pender in Pender, Nebraska; Pastor Steven Breazier will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Pender with the family present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the United Church of Pender. Arrangements are under of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. Joan was born August 16, 1928 to John and Gertrude (Hansen) McQuistan in Wayne, NE. She attended grade school at District 7 in Wayne County. She graduated from Pender in 1946. On May 9, 1947, she married Wilbur Erle Racely in Pender, NE. The couple was blessed with four children. Joan was very active in her community. She volunteered on many community boards and was involved with the Steering Committee for the Diamond Jubilee as well as the Centennial Celebration and was the founding coordinator for the Heritage Museum. Joan was a lifelong member of the United Church, where she taught Sunday School, choir and led the junior choir. She was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was a Cub Scout leader because of her love for camping. Joan loved golfing and was very proud of making a hole in 1 at the Wayne Country Club. Joan loved cooking, especially for her family and friends when they came to visit and sit on her patio. Joan loved her family very much and was very proud of her Scottish Heritage. Joan is survived by her son; Jason (Claudia) Racely, daughters; Debbie (Mert) Christiansen, Claudia (Randy) Simonsen, and Jodie Jordan, grandchildren; Tavis, Jenna, Caid, Sari, Carissa, Chad, Dane, Tiffany, Gage, Brin, Taylor, and Stephanie, and 14 great-granchildren. Joan is preceded in death by her husband; Erle, parents; John and Gertrude McQuistan, son-in-law; Bob Jordan, brothers; John, Donald, and his wife, Anna, Dunc, and his wife Vee, and Bob, sisters; Leola Otteman, and her husband Herb, Connie Larsen, and her husband Bud, Faye DeCola and her husband Mac, brothers-in-law; Clay Racely, and his wife Elma, Jack Racely, and his wife Helen, sister-in-law, Jeanne Schriber, and husband Walt.