Jo Ellen Arn

Jo Ellen Arn, 90, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Jo Ellen was born on May 23, 1931, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph Richard and Josephine Margaret (Johnston) Arn. Growing up with extended family during the depression, she learned to appreciate the value of work, church and family. These values were the foundation in how she prioritized spending her time. Her strong, spunky personality was complimented by her often sentimental, loving, selfless and protective approach to each of those aspects of her life.

After graduating Atlantic High School in 1949, Jo worked at Maxann Studio helping with photo sessions and as a dental assistant with “Doc” Lantis. Her passion for journalism and friendship with Phil Chintz led her to join the Atlantic News-Telegraph where she devoted her life to reporting anything of interest to the citizens of Atlantic. She mainly worked the Associated Press and human interest stories. Jo saw many changes the telegraph went through over the years and still used her old typewriter for many years after computers were implemented, she liked the feel of the keys. Jo always had her camera out and loved taking pictures. She could turn a quaint get-together into a full blown article including pictures into something everyone was interested in reading.

When she wasn’t working for the Atlantic News-Telegraph she was carting around “the kids” and their friends. This spanned two generations and entailed many trips to the park, Alco or out for a treat along with joining in parades, impromptu parties and attempts at cooking. She would load everyone up and take off for adventures beyond your imagination. It may also have been the root cause of her gray hair but who knows. Jo Ellen may have only been 5 foot something but she was strong and liked showing her muscles, even at the nursing home. She was proud she still had guns at 90. She made sure to devote time for her other passion, The United Church of Christ. She loved orchestrating luncheons for birthdays and special occasions, worked with the kids in Sunday School and for many years organized the candle lighters. She would give the que “light the candles” when it was time to walk to the front. Although she never had children of her own, she had many littles that looked up to her over the years and she cherished every moment with all of them.

Jo always strived to be a light in this world, to take care of the needs of others and to put herself last; she accomplished all three.

Jo is survived by her niece, Sandy (Scott) Riley of Waukee; great-nephew, Austin Frederiksen of Atlantic; great-niece, Ashley (Jared) Smith of Adair; great-great-nieces and nephews, Javin Smith, Addie Smith, Valia Roen, Ari Roen, Lexie Smith, Neela Roen, Case Frederiksen, Wesley Frederiksen and Tucker Frederiksen; sister-in-law, Marcene Arn; and many beloved cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Josephine Arn; brother, Thomas Arn; and nephew, Rick Arn.

A visitation with the family present will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the visitation. A private family burial will be held at the Atlantic Cemetery. The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by end of day Monday.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jo’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.