Joanne "Jo" Jorgensen

Joanne “Jo” Jorgensen, 86, of Anita, passed away Monday, October 30, 2017, at Caring Acres in Anita.

Joanne Marie was born on April 3, 1931, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Harry Andreas and Martha Marie (Niles) Rattenborg. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic by Reverend R.G. Dohrman. She grew up with her siblings on Cedar Street and attended Atlantic schools; graduating in the Class of 1949. School came easy to Jo and she took part in many school activities.

On April 9, 1950, she was united in marriage to Donald Jorgensen at the Noble Center Church, south of Lyman. The location of their wedding had to be changed due to a fire at Zion Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, the couple lived a short time south of Lyman and north of Adair. In 1953, the couple made Berea home, and resided there until moving to Caring Acres in 2015. Through the years Jo was a bookkeeper, and retired from Caring Acres in Anita after 20 years as their administrative assistant. Jo was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita; serving as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Lutheran Women Missionary League. She was also a member of the Berea Busy Bee’s Social Club. Her children recall when it was her turn to host the group that the house was cleaned top to bottom, not a speck of dust or trace of kids’ messes to be found.

She and Donald enjoyed many camping trips; one of their favorites was to Ike Brown’s cabin in Minnesota. Jo loved the outdoors whether it was helping on the farm, tending to her simple, yet beautiful flower gardens, or watching the birds out her kitchen window. It was a rare occasion when you would enter her home and she hadn’t prepared something delicious to eat, brownies being a favorite for all.

Jo ‘s life revolved around Faith, Family and Friends; “job well done good and faithful servant.” When times were tough she was quick to say, “This too shall pass.” She looked forward to gathering for all of the holiday’s during the year, Christmas being her favorite. At Christmas time the stockings were hung and filled with goodies for each grandchild, along with making sure they had a gift to unwrap. It was important that everyone joined in to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, and he even had his own slice of angel food cake. Singing Christmas carols was a family tradition, “O Holy Night” was her all time favorite. When her children look back on things, they are blessed with a family that shared an abundance of love and laughter.

Jo is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald; children, Steve (Bev) Jorgensen of Atlantic, IA, Becky (Don) Williams of Adel, IA, Dan (Christi Raasch) Jorgensen of Centerville, IA, and Paul (Jeannette) Jorgensen of Adair, IA; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; brother, William (Christine) Rattenborg of Fort Collins, CO; sister, Mary (Duane) Burk of Leander, TX; and sister-in-law, Gloria Rattenborg of Manchester, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Martha Rattenborg and brother, Jerry Rattenborg.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 2nd at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Open visitation will be available from 8:00 a.m. Thursday until the time of family visitation.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 3rd at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita with the Reverend Ted Weishaupt officiating. Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and other organizations close to Jo’s heart.

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

IN REMEMBRANCE
Joanne “Jo” M. Jorgensen
BORN
April 3, 1931 - Atlantic, Iowa

DIED
October 30, 2017 - Anita, Iowa
At the age of 86 Years, 6 Months, 27 Days

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:00 a.m., Friday, November 3, 2017
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Anita, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Ted Weishaupt

ORGANIST
Donna Brahms

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” by the Congregation
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” #770 by the Congregation
“I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” recorded by Alan Jackson

CASKET BEARERS
Shawn Jorgensen
Matt Williams
Aaron Williams
Erik Jorgensen
Jeremiah Jorgensen
Nikolas Jorgensen
Kyle Jorgensen
Zachary Jorgensen

HONORARY BEARERS
Michelle Andersen
Brandee Blackey
Jill Caudle
Hannah Jorgensen

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for lunch at the
Anita Community Center following services at the cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and other organizations close to Jo’s heart.