JoAnn Hunter, who alongside her husband Harlan Hunter, participated in the ARCA Menards Series in a variety of officiating roles from 1988 through 2019, passed away December 29, 2019 at the Orlando Regional Medical Center at the age of 79. As Harlan Hunter served, initially in a medical capacity in his occupation as a physician and eventually as an ARCA Official Photographer, JoAnn worked as a race team scorer, in sponsor hospitality, fan gear sales and other duties, always with a pleasant demeanor, a smile and a kind word for everyone. The Hunters also introduced their children and grandchildren to the ARCA Series, and the family regularly worked together at races.
JoAnn Wilson Hunter was born April 12, 1940, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Alfred (Bud) and Alma (Jensen) Wilson. She was a Hudson FFA Sweetheart, Make It Yourself with Wool, representing Iowa at the National Contest and winning a scholarship. She graduated from Hudson High School and Iowa State Teachers College and taught business at Central Dallas High School in Minburn Iowa. She and Dr. Harlen C. Hunter were married on June 30, 1962. She was the AAOA President in 1987-1988 and was referred to as “Mama Trauma” by the Hunter Trauma Team from 1988 to 1991.
JoAnn is survived by her husband Dr. Harlen C. Hunter; brothers, Jerry (Della) Wilson and Jim (Debbi) Wilson; son, Todd (Christine) Hunter; daughter, Juliann (Tim) Holle; four grandchildren, Jordyn (Clint) Griffis, James Holle, Cole (Kylie) Hunter and Jessica Holle; and two great-grandchildren, Rylee and Raylynn Griffis.
There will be a celebration of her life in Minburn Iowa, Saturday, May 2, 2020. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn’s family has asked that donations be made in care of the JoAnn Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund to support an FFA student at Hudson High School. Donations may be sent to Lincoln Savings Bank, 141 Eldora Road, Hudson, IA 50643.
ARCA PR
