JoAnn Altemeyer

JoAnn Latham Altemeyer was born on November 12, 1949, in Salinas, California to Vernon and Lucille Latham, passed away on August 8, 2026, surrounded by family in Reno, Nevada.

JoAnn attended schooling in Salinas and went to Alisal High School until she married Dennis Altemeyer on September 16, 1966. For almost 60 years, the two were inseparable. Together they had two children: daughter Tami (Rick) Shephard and son David (Windi) Altemeyer. Although JoAnn had some jobs outside the home her happy place was caring for the family, she enjoyed cooking, baking and quilting.

She used her talents to make many baby quilts including those for her eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, among many others.

Known to many as Nana, JoAnn was cherished by generations of children in the neighborhood of Middlefield Road. As the bus stop mom, surrogate afterschool parent or calling you out when you were headed down the wrong path into troubled waters, she was compassionate yet truthful. She accepted all people as they were. Where they were.

Things you could always count on from JoAnn were LOVE, LOYALTY AND KIDNESS. Family was far extended beyond blood. She remembered every birthday; she spread joy morning and night with her daily inspirational messages and she would arrive to any gathering with a LARGE bowl of macaroni or oriental chicken salad in hand.

She looked after children, pets the sick and strays. Her heart loved unconditionally. She fought for things unjust, prayed for miracles and believed in all things good.

She will be greatly missed by many especially Butch, whose life companion is no longer with us in body but in spirit. JoAnn, momma, Nana, WE LOVE YOU!

May you run with Laddie in lush green fields, free from pain, immobility or ailment. Healed in his divine perfection.

Watch over us all, until we meet again, forever in our Hearts