JoAnn J. (Dietz) Kilian, 75, of Russell, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at the Russell Regional Hospital.
JoAnn was born Feb. 27, 1948, in Russell. She was the daughter of Jacob and Freda (Batt) Dietz. She lived her whole life in Russell. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Bender Hill Lutheran Church, later became a member of St. John Lutheran Church. She attended Lincoln Grade School in the Milberger area, graduated from Russell High School and attended Fort Hays State University.
JoAnn was united in marriage to Gary L. Kilian on Nov. 22, 1969, in Russell. This union was blessed with two children, Kristi and Kory.
JoAnn worked at the Home State Bank for many years, the Russell Livestock and Back To Nature in Hays. She farmed and had a cow-calf operation with her son Kory. She also cleaned homes in the Russell area for over 40 years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school and Bible study when her children were young. Later she was active in the Church Altar Guild. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Her greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite phrases was, “take one day at a time” whenever life presented a challenge.
JoAnn’s surviving family includes her daughter, Kristi Brungardt (Chris) of Russell; son, Kory Kilian of Russell; and three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Nicole Noble (Marc), Grace Kilian and Ryan Kilian.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents.
Celebration of JoAnn’s Life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial of ashes will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church.
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.