1935-2024
Iva Joan Pottroff, known affectionately as Joan by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Born on July 13, 1935, in Linden to the late Jennie Parton Knapp and Carl Knapp, Joan’s journey through life was marked by a deep-seated love for her family.
Joan spent her formative years in Iowa, where she attended high school before venturing into her career as an airline ticket agent. This was not just a job but a gateway to the world. Joan’s passion for travel was ignited during this time, and she delighted in using her travel vouchers to explore new places. One of her most cherished recollections was taking her brother, Joe, who predeceased her, on a trip after his military service, a testament to her caring nature and the special bond they shared.
Joan’s family was her pride and joy. She was a loving sister to Joseph (Audrey) Knapp (deceased), Dorothea Wristen of Arizona and George (Judy) Knapp Panora. Though her marriage to her first spouse, Eldon Enyart, ended in divorce, it blessed her with two devoted children, Carla Enyart Luallin (David) of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and John Enyart (Tina) of Punta Gorda, Florida. Her legacy continued with her adored grandchildren, Jan Spevack, John Spevack, Brandon Enyart and Eric Enyart (Angela), and her cherished great-grandchildren, Aubrie Adams, Angel Gibson, Citori Spevack, Jacob and Sarah, all of whom brought immense joy into her life. Joan’s family circle expanded with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who came into her life when her daughter Carla married David Luallin.
In her retirement from Equitable, Joan found pleasure in simpler joys. She had a knack for finding treasures in thrift shops, garage sales and dollar stores. She was known for ensuring that her grandkids and great-grandkids were always well-dressed and had all the accessories they needed. At her home and later her residence at Lakeside Village, she enjoyed when family and friends visited.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her brother, Joe Knapp; and her spouse, Clifford Pottroff. Joan’s legacy of love, kindness and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures will continue to live on through her family and all who knew her.
Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 8, 2024, at West Linn Cemetery, near Linden. Visitation will be Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any local hospice locations. The hospice care givers both at Lakeside Village and Valor Hospice of Sierra Vista, Arizona, made a huge difference to her and her family would like to see that available to others in need.