JoAnn (Hill) Tupa Leech, 94, of Humboldt, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home. She was born on September 8, 1931, in Humboldt, Nebraska to Roland and Wilhelmina (Early) Hill. She was raised in Humboldt where she attended Humboldt schools and Humboldt High School. On February 16, 1948, JoAnn was united in marriage to Lovell Tupa in Nebraska City, Nebraska. To this union seven children, Marsha, Wanda, Barbara, Kathy, Michael, Jeri, and Sharon were born. The couple raised their family on a farm near Bern, Kansas where JoAnn helped with the daily chores on the farm and attending to her children.
Lovell and JoAnn moved to Humboldt in the late 1980s, after retiring from farming. They continued to enjoy spending the winters in Harlingen, TX. JoAnn loved to China paint and socialize with her friends in the Forget Me Not China Club, playing cards, ironing and keeping her house tidy, and spending time with family. Her culinary skills were known and everyone looked forward to fried chicken and homemade pies for any occasion. Lovell passed away in 2001. JoAnn was later united in marriage to Myron Leech in 2006. Together, JoAnn and Myron enjoyed taking day trips in the area, participating in church groups, seeing all the grandkids, and just being in each other’s company.
JoAnn is survived by her children: Marsha Esslinger of Belleville, KS; Barbara (Richard) McCarter of Topeka, KS; Michael Tupa of Junction City, KS; Jeri Armstrong (and partner, Del Hartshorn) of Humboldt, NE; Sharon (Melvin) Streit of Humboldt, NE; grandchildren: Matt (Marci) Shea of Lee’s Summit, MO; Scott Shea of Belleville, KS; Nicholas Shea of Telluride, CO; Kelly (Amanda) McCarter of Bellbrook, OH; Carey (Greg) Boggs of Weatherford, TX; Cody (Ciera) McCarter of Springfield, TN; Clay (Felicia) McCarter of Topeka, KS; Shane Tupa of Salina, KS; Amie Tupa of Salina, KS; Jereme Jones of Flaxville, MT; Josh Jones of Topeka, KS; Andrea (Dave) Mezger of Table Rock, NE; Ashley (Justin) Shupp of Humboldt, NE; Adam Streit (and fiancé, Claire Harless)of Humboldt, NE; Alicia (Craig) Schmit of Humboldt, NE; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands Lovell Tupa and Myron Leech, daughters Wanda Hartshorn and Kathy Tupa, a sister Patricia Keeton, brothers: Ron, Jim, and Dick Hill, and son-in-law Francis Esslinger.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Lori Stevens officiating. Interment will immediately follow services at the Mound (Prospect) Cemetery in rural Humboldt, Nebraska.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com
Services entrusted-Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915