Mary Jo Lessmeier
August 31, 1951 ~ October 22, 2015
Mary Jo Lessmeier, 64, of Mount Vernon, died on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2015, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon, by Rev. John R. Flaherty. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the church, with a vigil at 4 p.m. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon.
Survivors include her husband, Terry; son, Michael Lessmeier of Baltimore, Maryland; daughter, Maggie (Nate) Willems of Mount Vernon; brothers, Dan (Mary) Smith of Wichita, Kansas; Chip Smith of San Francisco, California, Tom (Sarah) Smith of Coralville, Mike Smith of Fort Dodge, and Kevin (Ginny) Smith of Des Moines; sister, Patty (Jim) Hull of Fort Dodge; three grandchildren, Ava, Emery, and Marlie Willems; four nieces and eight nephews.
Mary Jo was born August 31, 1951, in Elmhurst, Illinois, the daughter of the William and Margaret (O'Connor) Smith. She was a graduate of the University of Iowa and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. On August 21, 1972, she married Terry Lessmeier in Fort Dodge. Mary Jo worked as a police officer for the University of Iowa for 28 years and Four Oaks as a youth counselor for 10 years. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, P.E.O, AFSCME, and was a member and past president of the Iowa Association of Women Police.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Backpack Program of the Southeast Linn Community Center, 108 S Washington Street, Lisbon, Iowa 52253.
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Thinking of and praying for Mary Jo, you, and your family during this difficult time.
So sad and shocked to read about Mary Jo’s death. She was one of the nicest, kindest and most caring people I have ever met. She will be dearly missed by many many people. Sandy Bucher
Mary Jo Lessmeier was one of the most naturally warm and friendly people I have ever met. She always treated us like old friends from the moment we first met. She was such an open and honest person, you couldn’t help but feel comfortable around her. She never missed a chance to talk about her family, Terry, and the latest news about Maggie and Michael, and how proud she was of them. Our hearts goes out to all of you- Terry, Maggie, Michael. We know your hearts must be aching- because losing her leaves such a huge hole. That’s also a mark of just how special she was.
Deborah Dakin and Bob Yeats
To all the Lessmeier family you are in our prayers. I worked for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Dept for 25 years. Mary Jo work for DPS an worked the Iowa Football games. Her and I ran the holding area together. I did the transports an she did all the paperwork. Mary Jo will always be very special to me. I thing I will never forget I brought in rice crispy treats one game an she asked if I cooked them of course I said yes an she said at what temp I said 250 she just laughed an said Dan you don’t bake them in the oven tell your wife she did a good job. R.I.P. Mary Jo until we meet again for a rice crispy treat. God Bless You All.
To Michael — We are saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved Mother . She can be very proud of the fine son she has raised. Our condolences to you and your entire family.
Dennis and Phyllis Jacobsen and extended family
So sorry to hear of Mary Jo’s passing, too soon. So shocking.
Prayers and compassion for Terry, Maggie and for the rest of family.
Maggie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother Mary Jo. She was a special soul indeed and I have no doubt her beautiful soul and memory will live on forever in you and your daughter’s heart and soul. All my love and prayers during this time dear friend, Brenda Jennings
Terry, Maggie and Michael,
I’m so very sorry for your loss…..I remember Mary Jo’s sweet smile and great personality, of which Maggie has inherited……how lucky you are. I know it has been a struggle for you all, but she put up a good fight and there comes a time…..hold your loving memories of her close.
Wish I could be with you all to give you a hug, but you are in my special thoughts.
With sympathy,
Annamae Baker