In Memory Of
JoAnne Marcille Koepke
December 28, 1947 - November 24, 2025
On November 24, 2025, the world lost a devoted advocate, artist, healer, and friend. JoAnne M. Koepke, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Norfolk, Nebraska.
A Celebration of Life memorial service was held Friday December 5th at Stonacek Funeral Home in Norfolk, NE, with Rev. Gordon Braun officiating. A video taped tribute by Richard R. Troxell was shared. The service was live-streamed with both of her adopted daughters in Africa tuned in.
JoAnne’s heart and soul lived in her work with House the Homeless, the oldest all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Texas dealing with advocacy and education around issues of homelessness. Beginning in 1992, and continuing for 28 years, she served on the Board—primarily as secretary - and was the quiet engine behind much of the organization’s impact.
She maintained databases, coordinated contact networks, and worked tirelessly on the Universal Living Wage campaign alongside founder Richard R. Troxell. Even after returning to Nebraska in 2012, she continued supporting the organization remotely, securing donations (especially food) for events, and giving her voice to those without one.
JoAnne receiving the House the Homeless Heart and Soul Award with HtH cofounder, Richard R. Troxell, 2017
A Life of Service, Courage, and Love
Across every chapter of her life, JoAnne embodied compassion and perseverance. Her journey wound through medicine, research, nursing, advocacy, art, and humanitarian work—all driven by an unshakeable desire to help those most in need.
Medical and Scientific Work
Before her advocacy work, JoAnne built a career in medicine and science. She served as an EKG and nursing technician beginning in 1966, and later performed biochemical analyses of kidney function, neuromechanics, and cardiology research. Her fascination with science began early—while still in high school, she constructed an EKG machine from a Karo syrup can, earning her a place at the National Science Fair in Dallas, Texas.
Education and Lifelong Learning
JoAnne earned a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College in English with minors in Chemistry and Biology. She later completed a Master’s in Women’s Studies and Religion from Norwich University, all while raising her daughters through Child Fund International and weathering periods of personal hardship, including homelessness.
A lifelong scholar, she was actively working toward a PhD in Holocaust Studies at the time of her passing.
Peace Arts Inc.
In 2015, JoAnne founded JoAnne Koepke’s Peace Arts Inc., where she combined her commitment to justice with her talent for watercolor and colored pencil art.
The proceeds from her artwork supported children in Africa and Ukraine, particularly the two young Ugandan women she considered her daughters – Jo Masiko and Rebecca Kayaga – whom she helped educate from elementary school through college. The mother-daughter bond they shared extended far beyond sponsorship.
Strength, Creativity, and Resilience
JoAnne was a gifted pianist – playing with her left hand alone when her right hand was impaired – and a master gardener, cook, writer, and artist. She adored her seizure-alert kitty, who was her constant companion and source of comfort.
Her life was far from easy, yet she made “lemonade out of many lemon trials,” as her family lovingly describes. She gave more of herself to the downtrodden and forgotten than many give in a lifetime.
Honoring Jo Anne’s Legacy
Memorial Gifts
JoAnne spent nearly three decades working to support people experiencing homelessness.
To honor her life and the causes she cared for most, the family asks supporters to consider a Memorial Gift to House the Homeless, where JoAnne gave her heart, her talent, and her voice.
Give Online to House the Homeless
Or mail contributions to:
Or mail contributions to:
House the Homeless
PO Box 2312
Austin, TX 78768-2312
A Legacy of Hope
JoAnne believed deeply in lifting others up, and she lived that belief every day. Her upcoming autobiography -Hope- captures her story of resilience, courage, and commitment to helping the world heal.
Her family, friends, and the many lives she touched will carry forward her compassion, creativity, and unbreakable spirit.
