Joann Stucker Obituary

Joann Ruese Stucker

1926 - 2020

Joann Ruese Stucker, 93, a sixty-year resident of Evergreen, Colorado died peacefully on October 23, 2020. Born on December 27, 1926 in Emporia Kansas, she is predeceased by her parents, Wilbur and Winifred Ruese, her brother Edward Frederick Ruese II, and her loving husband of 46 years, Charles Gordon Stucker.

She began college to be a concert violinist, but she soon changed her major. She earned an Architectural Engineering degree from the University of Kansas in 1949. She was a member of Kansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi, Mortar Board, KU symphony orchestra where she held the 1st violin chair, was chosen as the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, and was founding member of the Jayhawk Mountaineering Club.

Joann tuaght in KU's School of Engineering from 1947 though 1951. In 1951, she was hired by Hercules Powder Company as their first female Field Engineer.

Joann and Gordon were married in 1952. They settled in Colorado in 1957 and moved to Evergreen in 1958.

Joann worked as a private architectural engineer consultant until she accepted a position with a local geophysical consulting firm. She returned to school at Colorado School of Mines and completed her geophysical education. In 1973, Joann co-founded Evergreen Geophysical Associates and by 1978 she was elected as the first female President of the Denver Geophysical Society.

After retirement Joann was invited to join P.E.O. Chapter FR, served as House Corporation Chairman for the Pi Phi Delta Chapter at the Colorado School of Mines, was an active member of the Jefferson County Pi Phi Alumnae Club, Cooked for Meals on Wheels at the Evergreen Senior Resource Center, was a Charter Member of the Mountain Foothills Rotary, where she served as Vice President, was a former member of the Mountain Rendezvous Chapter, NSDAR and was an organizing member of the Red Rocks Chapter, NSDAR and the Rocky Mountain Crest Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812. She even placed 1st in her age group in the Evergreen Town Race.

Everywhere Joann went, people immediately gravitated to her for her intellect, compassion, and grace. Joann was a fabulous Mother, friend, colleague, and community member. Her professional and philanthropic endeavors always took a back seat to the love and encouragement she gave to her children throughout the entirety of their lives, from their first day on Earth until her last. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her son Rick Stucker (Sally) and daughter Anne Skewes (Bill).

A celebration of life will be held in Lawrence, Kansas, at The Oread Hotel at 3:00 p.m. October 11, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Alpine Rescue Team, P.O. Box 934, Evergreen, CO 80439. Please designate in memory of Joann Stucker in the memo line.