Joan Thomasina Humes Vignatelli

Joanie Vignatelli, 90, passed away on October 10, 2024, with her loving family at her side. A Funeral Mass for Joanie will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the St Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Rd, Lawrence, KS. The family will greet friends beginning at 3:30 pm.

Joanie was born in Arma, Kansas, on December 18, 1933, to Tom and Annie (Pifari) Humes. Joanie married the love of her life, Gene Vignatelli, on July 31, 1954, in Franklin, Kansas.

Joanie and Gene enjoyed hosting KU tailgates and having their home filled with the love and laughter of family and friends. For many years, she worked as a para-educator helping special needs children. Joanie was an excellent cook, candymaker, and artist. Her creativity led her from one hobby to the next: sewing, ceramics, oil painting, jewelry making, and knitting. In recent years, she was well-known for generously sharing her famous peanut clusters and fudge.

Joanie wore many hats throughout her lifetime, but her greatest pleasure was that of Wife, Mother, and Nona. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest sense of pride. She was always present at their sporting events, school performances, and birthday parties. Life with Nona was filled with fun, food, and lots of love. Her generosity, kindness and love touched many lives. Joanie is preceded in death by Gene (January 12, 1998), her parents, and sister, Joanne Vignatelli.

Joanie is survived by her four children: Debbie (Richard Konzem), Becky (Bob Krattli), Brad(Mary), and Pam (Doug Edmonds); six grandchildren: Sarah Krattli Collins (Austin), Anna Krattli Duncan (Dan), Martha Krattli Avery (George), Nick Vignatelli (Blair), Kate Vignatelli, and Josie Vignatelli (fiancé Tom Walsh); and seven great-grandchildren: Eloise and Genevieve Collins, Nora and Everett Avery, and Jack, Hadley, and Chloe Vignatelli.

The family wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to Dr. Eric Huerter and Fr. Mick Mulvany for their loving care and support provided to Joanie and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanie’s name to the ‘Gene Vignatelli Football Scholarship c/o KU Endowment’ and may be sent to Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13 th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

For more information or to post a condolence go to: warrenmcelwain.com