Joni Lynn Busskohl

Joni Weber-Busskohl, a woman whose strength, compassion, and zest for life touched countless hearts, passed away on September 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 17, 1961, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Albert and Mildred Weber. She grew up in the Lake Minatare Farm Community, where her deep love for family and the great outdoors began.

After attending Lake Minatare School and graduating from Scottsbluff High School, Joni pursued higher education. She earned her associate degree from Nebraska Western College, followed by both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chadron State College. Along the way, she married Ranko Busskohl, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Sarah and Shandelle, who became the joy and center of her world.

Joni was happiest when surrounded by her family. Vacations to the beach were her calling, especially walking barefoot in the sand along the shores of Florida and Mexico with her girls. She cherished every moment with her granddaughters, Isabelle and Allison, whether they were enjoying picnics, attending festivals, spending time by the lake, or celebrating the holidays together.

Her adventurous spirit shone through her love of kayaking and hiking with her loyal dog, Duke. For Joni, being outside and immersed in the beauty of nature was not only a passion, but also the way she wished to be remembered.

Joni lived with a giving heart and spent countless hours volunteering. Her compassion reached far and wide through her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, hospice, the Severe Weather Shelter for the Homeless, food banks, and Breaking Bread. She truly believed in lifting others up, and her generosity left an enduring impact on everyone she served.

Professionally, Joni was as versatile as she was determined. She built a career in education, finance, and the mortgage industry. She founded her own company, Blue Aspen Financial, and later thrived as an account executive for a wholesale mortgage company. Her work ethic and drive were matched only by her kindness and genuine care for others.

In 2017, Joni faced ovarian cancer with the same courage and resilience that defined her life. Over her nearly nine-year battle, she endured four recurrences and 112 infusions, yet she continued to embrace life fully. She found joy, strength, friendship, and hope in cancer support communities including Camp Mak-A-Dream, the YMCA’s Livestrong, Hope Held by a Horse, Nicki’s Circle, Live by Living, Domas Pacis, and Our Journey of Hope.

Joni and her family also found purpose and joy in participating together each year in Jodi’s Race for Awareness and other community events. These experiences became meaningful reminders that even in the midst of hardship, there was always room for laughter, connection, and celebration.

Joni’s faith was a source of unwavering strength throughout her life. At West Bowles Church, she found love, support, and deep friendships through Bible study, GriefShare, Singles Group, and Better Together. Her church family stood beside her and became an essential part of her journey.

Joni’s life was a testament to resilience, kindness, generosity, faith, and joy. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Sarah (Thor) Busskohl and Shandelle (Chris) Daniluk, and her cherished granddaughters, Isabelle and Allison Daniluk.

Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched, in the love she gave so freely, and in the legacy she leaves behind through the Joni Busskohl Scholarship, created to continue her commitment to generosity and helping others.

Celebration of Life will be held at West Bowles Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Joni's Memorial Fund: https://everloved.com/life-of/joni-busskohl/donate/

Joni loved life. She loved her family fiercely, embraced adventure, found beauty in nature, gave generously to others, and faced every challenge with extraordinary courage. Her life will be remembered not simply by the years she lived, but by the love, hope, and kindness she left behind.