JoAnn Wise

JoAnn Wise, age 97, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. She was born on September 22, 1928, in Erie, Kansas, to Bert and Dewey (Clifford) Cox.

JoAnn married Marion “Buddy” Wise on November 6, 1949, at the First Christian Church in Chanute. Together, they shared 69 years of marriage and raised four children.

JoAnn's love for her family was immeasurable. She dedicated her life to her family and serving as a homemaker. She was not only a mother, but a best friend and an enthusiastic supporter to her children and grandchildren. She and Marion enjoyed spending many summers traveling throughout the country attending steam engine shows.

JoAnn was a faithful and active member of the First Christian Church in Chanute and enjoyed working in the nursery every Sunday and helping with Vacation Bible School. JoAnn also treasured her mornings with the McDonald’s Coffee Club and sewing group. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks, faithfully following her favorite teams every day. JoAnn was an avid reader and learner, and was talented at puzzles, word searches, and crosswords. She enjoyed watching her cats and birds, which gave her daily joy. She appreciated nature and sunsets.

JoAnn always had a smile on her face and was often listening to classic country and big band music. JoAnn’s presence of warmth, humor, kindness, and empathy was a gift to those around her. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.

JoAnn is survived by her brother Billy Cox of Chula Vista, California; children, Cliff Wise (Rhonda) of Garnett, Kansas; Dee Ann Craig (Kenneth) of Washburn, Missouri; and Linda Dieker of Olpe, Kansas; her grandchildren, Melissa Wise, Angie Pingley, Eric Wise, Michael Dieker (Cassie), JoAnna Dieker, and Connor A. Wise; her great-grandchildren, Jake and Layla Pingley, Connor M. Wise, Kauffman, Ace, and Maggie Dieker; and her great-great-grandson, Jaxon Pingley as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, John M. Wise; her son-in-law, John Dieker; her parents and step-mother, Gladys; her brothers, Jim, Earl, Don, and Carl Edward Cox, step-brother Marion Justus; and her sisters, Evelyn Mintz, Margaret Driscoll, Betty Trumbull, and Mary Janette Kent.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to her dear friend, Julie Hasler, who lovingly cared for her for several years, and to the other caregivers who allowed for her to live at her home. For the past few months, JoAnn enjoyed getting to know the staff at Heritage.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 N. Forest Avenue, Chanute, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cherry Street Youth Center in care of the funeral home.