Joanne Lee Misener

Joanne Misener of Durango, Colorado passed away on July 13th, 2023 at the age of 88 years young. Joanne lived a full life and will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and stunning creativity. 

Joanne was born to Art and Myrna Bender in Seattle, Washington on October 11th, 1934. As a child she enjoyed playing football, roller skating and riding horseback. 

Joanne met the love of her life, James “Jim” Misener and the two married on February 1st, 1953. Together they traveled the world as Jim was stationed in Germany, France and Iceland in the United States Air Force. They welcomed their daughter, Carol Sue “Susie” Misener in 1953 and son Jim Daniel Misener in 1955. Joanne and Jim raised their 2 kids all over Europe and the States throughout Jim’s military career. During these travels, Joanne’s creativity shined with her cake decorating business as she collected an impressive collection of awards from several international competitions. 

The business that Joanne had cultivated continued to shine in the States receiving several other accolades for her beautiful cake designs. As their children grew into adults, Joanne began to travel around the U.S. teaching others about her finely tuned skills and sharing her love for artistically crafting cakes. Her other talents included creating beautiful special occasion cards, painting and sewing.

Joanne and Jim settled into their retirement in the Durango community about 50 years ago. In Durango, Unique Cakes by Joanne flourished in the Durango community, providing hundreds of couples with their dream wedding cakes. Joanne and Jim were active members of the Elks Club with Jim earning the rank of Exalted Ruler. Sadly, Jim left this earth on January 16th, 1991 and Joanne has mourned him deeply. She would often talk about her sweet husband and would find comfort in knowing that she would be reunited with him in heaven.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Susie Misener, son Jim Misener, son-in-law Harvey McCune and daughter-in-law Cindy Misener. In addition, she will be greatly missed by her 4 grandkids, 3 bonus grandkids, 13 great grandchildren, and friends. 

Services will be held at Hood Mortuary in Durango, CO on July 31st, 2023 at 10:00am.