Joan J. Brees, age 93, of Keota, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Halcyon House in Washington. She was born June 18, 1933, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Max and Alma (Lampe) Jacobs and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School.
On June 8, 1952 she married Clifford Brees in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. They were married for 58 years. They lived in Rockford, Illinois, Cedar Rapids and North Liberty before moving to Keota in 2010. Joan was an assistant librarian at Squaw Creek Elementary School in Cedar Rapids for several years. She enjoyed camping, boating, cooking and decorating for holidays.
Survivors include two sons: Scott (Tami) and Kip (Susan Cahill); two grandchildren: Katie (Chris) Button and Cameron (Kristin) Brees; three step grandchildren: Chad (Stacey) Sheetz, Tera Sheetz (James) and Luke (Devin) Sheetz; six great grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Clifford in 2010; grandson Brent Brees; three brothers: Larry, Terry and Jim Jacobs and two sisters: Mary Lou Noble and Nancy Gerleman.
Memorial graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Keota Cemetery, with Pastor Vince Homan officiating. There will be no visitation.
A general memorial fund has been established. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Joan and her family. Condolences may be e-mailed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
