Joanne M. Knock Urbanek

Joanne M. Knock Urbanek said her last “toodle-oo” at Margate Health and Rehab in West Jefferson on April 3, 2024 at the age of 87.

Joanne was born and raised in Champion, Ohio, the daughter of Ivan and Mary Schoultz Knock. After graduating from Champion High School, she met and married Ted Urbanek and they built their first home in Leavittsburg, Ohio. With three daughters in tow, the family began an eventful life that took them from Ohio to Massachusetts, Vermont, Florida and finally to North Carolina.

Joanne’s adventures continued. She and Ted vacationed in Canada and took traditional cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska as well as a schooner cruise along the New England Coast. Later, they traveled to Great Britian, France, Poland, and Slovakia.

Joanne was always open to new ideas. She played cards, was always reading a book, enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and made the best pies in town. Over the years she enjoyed camping, square dancing, snowmobiling, and walking along the beach. One year she participated in the Mt. Equinox Annual Hillclimb in Manchester, Vermont and finished the race which was a major feat.

Joanne’s fortitude was tested when she was diagnosed with colon cancer over 20 years ago. She underwent the traditional radiation, chemotherapy and surgery with few complaints and soldiered on, enjoying life to the fullest. To give back to other cancer patients she also participated in the local Relay for Life events.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Ted Urbanek; three daughters, Susan (Steve Ramey) Linville, Rose Urbanek, and MaryJo (Brian) Quinlan; four granddaughters, Michele Brown, Melissa Bedor, Brittany (Levi) Tonet, and Shannon Quinlan; and one great-granddaughter, Lily Bedor. She has two surviving brothers, Roger Knock and Thomas (Patricia) Knock, and many nieces and nephews.

A short service will be held graveside at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Instead of flowers, please send donations in Joanne’s memory to Ashe Really Cares, P.O. Box 850, Jefferson, NC, 28640.