Joan C. Evenson Roberts, 83, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Joan was born on December 29, 1942, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Elmo Evenson and Joan Kiepke Evenson. When Joan was five years old, the family moved from Mitchell to Nebraska, where she would spend most of her life and eventually make her home. The values of hard work, care for others, and strong family ties remained with her throughout her life.

On November 23, 1959, in Iowa, she married the love of her life, Leslie R. “Les” Roberts. Joan and Les built their life together over 66 years of marriage, sharing the joys and challenges that come with raising a family and building a home together.

Joan faithfully served the Lincoln community for 25 years as a custodian with Lincoln Public Schools. Those who worked with her knew her as dependable and hardworking, someone who quietly took pride in doing her work well.

Faith remained an important part of Joan’s life. She was a member of the College View Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she valued the community and the message of hope found in Scripture.

Joan loved the simple and meaningful things in life. Gardening connected her to generations before her, and she took joy in tending plants and watching them grow season after season. She also enjoyed cooking and caring for others, often expressing her thoughtfulness through meals and everyday acts of kindness. Joan loved the adventure of searching for treasures at garage and estate sales. The best part for her was sharing those special finds with others. If she discovered something she knew someone else would love, she would happily dicker over the price until she and the seller reached an agreement.

To her family, Joan was a wife, mother, and grandmother whose life was closely connected with those she loved. She shared many years of family life, traditions, and everyday moments that will be remembered by those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Leslie R. “Les” Roberts of Kearney, Nebraska; her children, Rick Roberts of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Cathy Ward (Michael) of Kearney, Nebraska; and her grandchildren, Ricky Roberts of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Emily Gammie (David) of Streator, Illinois.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Joan Kiepke Evenson, and her sister, Cheryl Evenson Dencklau.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Aspen Funeral Home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Service details will be announced at a later time. Joan will be laid to rest at College View Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Her family rests in the hope of the resurrection and the promise that those who sleep in Christ will rise again. Joan’s memory will remain with those who knew her throughout the years. Those who knew Joan will remember her generosity, her practical spirit, and the quiet ways she shared what she had with others.

Memorials may be directed to Memorials may be directed to College View Seventh-day Adventist Church on behalf of the Roberts Family.

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