Obituary of Joanna Caroline Strobel

Joanna Strobel, 94, a longtime resident of Moscow, Idaho, passed away December 2, 2015, in St. Maries, Idaho, following a brief illness. Joanna was born January 13, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Ida Hauge Schultz and Judge William August Schultz. She received her nursing degree from College of St. Catherine’s in 1943. She married Robert John Strobel, April 8, 1944, in South St. Paul, Minnesota. While married to Robert, she was a nurse at John Hopkins Hospital, Bethesda Naval Hospital and St. Paul Hospital. During her time in St. Paul, Joanna was a member of the Corps d’Ballet of the St. Paul Civic Opera Company for 2 years. She also organized a new Jobs Daughter Chapter there and, in 1938, was the first Honored Queen for Bethel No. 11 chapter. Joanna moved from Bismarck, SD to Moscow, ID in 1952, where Dr. Strobel started his medical practice. During the 63 years she lived in Moscow, Joanna was active in the Ruby chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron in 1972. She also was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, where she was the Nile Queen in 1979. In addition, she had been a member of Chapter O, PEO, since 1966, was a volunteer leader for Campfire Girls for 12 years, was a volunteer nurse for the Red Cross during World War II, was a member and past President of the Fine Arts Club of Moscow, ID, a docent at the Latah County Historical Society and was involved with the University of Idaho’s International Women’s Friendship Association. Joanna devoted her life to her family. She was a loving mother and an inspiration to all. She lived her life by the guiding principles learned from her father, being honest and kind to all. Joanna was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, who passed away in 2008. She is survived by her five children, Carolyn Bailey of Macomb, Ill., Mary Lee Delony of Kirkland, Wa., William Strobel of Harrison, Id., Anita Johnstone of Sammamish, Wa., and Dr. Tom Strobel of Lewiston, Id. In addition to her five children, Joanna is survived by 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Memorial donations can be sent to her daughter, Mary Lee Delony, to establish a onetime PEO Nursing Scholarship in Joanna’s name. A family and friend celebration of her life will occur in the Seattle Area, in early February. Mary Lee can be contacted for additional information at delonym@gmail.com or by mail: 13610 104th PL NE, Kirkland, WA. 98034.