Jo Ann Wilch
September 18, 1931 ~ November 15, 2020
Jo/Mom/Grandma died of complications from COVID-19 in the fall of 2020. Thanks to many of you who reached out to our family to remember her and to offer condolences. Jo loved Mount Vernon ' her home for over 50 years, where she raised her children, fostered friendships, and contributed to the community.
Because of the pandemic we were unable to come together in person to honor her and to recall her vibrant personality, sense of humor and love of life. Our family would like to welcome all members of the community to a reception on Jo's behalf on Friday, August 6, 2021, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Lester Buresh Community Wellness Center, 855 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa. Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the family requests masks be worn at the reception.
A light lunch will be served. Please no flowers or gifts. If you'd like to contribute a donation in Jo's honor, please do so to the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation (https://mvcsd.org).
We hope to see you on August 6.
Jo Ann Wilch, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on November 15, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services of Mount Vernon is in charge of arrangements. Jo did not want to put any of her family and friends and the larger communities from which they come unnecessarily in danger of infection, illness or death from COVID-19. For that reason, the family has decided to held a remote-only funeral mass out of a preponderance of caution for everyone's health. It was livestreamed from St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco, California on Saturday, November 28, 2020. To watch the funeral mass, click on this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fh0K4JuBG5zqZflWHGom3Q6mJb5OYkiQ/view .
Jo was born September 18, 1931, in Charles City, Iowa, one of five children of Irwin and Josephine Edie, and grew up in Rudd, Iowa. She met the love of her life, John Peyton Wilch, at North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, Iowa in 1949. They married on August 22, 1951, and spent most of their married life in Mount Vernon, Iowa.
Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John and daughter, Meredith Kathleen; her parents; her brother, Eugene Edie; her sister, Betty Winslow; Jo's nephews, Barry and Steve Dyre (Betty's sons) and Gabriel Wilch III (John's brother, Gabriel Jr.'s son).
She is survived by daughter, Edie of Seattle, Washington; sons, John, Jr. (Jarene) of Davenport, Iowa, Matthew (Jeffrey Hutson) of Baltimore, Maryland, Mark (Clemens Auer) of Vienna, Austria, Patrick of Tucson, Arizona, Daniel (Dean Gray) of New York, New York, Thomas (Ellen) of Albion, Michigan, and Peter (Regina Doody) of Sausalito, California. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachel (John), Esther (Dan), Clara, John, Henry, Jane, Joe, Alex (Daniela), Lauren (Carl), Miriam, Peyton, and Evan; and great-grandchildren, Ernie and Leo. And she is survived by her sister, Rose Marie Tucker, and her brother, John Edie (Donna); by nephews, Mark Dyre (Linda) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tom Dyre (Georgia) of Culpeper, Virginia, Bill Tucker of Cresco, Iowa, Chris Wilch (Leasa) of Wichita, Kansas, Andy Wilch (Susan) of Portland, Oregon; and by a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. Deep gratitude is due to cousins, Nicole Zoerink and Mary Wilch for their dedicated work as nurses in these dangerous times of COVID-19 and to Clemens Auer for his resolute efforts at the Austrian Ministry of Health in the battle against COVID-19.
Jo was a lifelong devout Democrat and bridge and general card shark. She was active in the community as a member of St. John's Church, with the League of Women Voters, Ingleside, the Antique Club, PTA, and as a poll-worker. Besides raising a large family with love and patience and running a large household with skill and artistic flair, she worked for BIOS, The Sun, Plaza Auto Auction and Cornell College. A huge fan of Van Johnson and Paul Newman, and more recently Colin Firth and Bradley Cooper, Jo was an avid and knowledgeable filmgoer and reader.
As welcoming hosts, Jo and John always had a full and lively home. Jo carried on from her mother the core tradition of gathering together around the table, for meals, for cards, but above all for conversation. Everybody had a place at that table: the nine Wilch children and whichever of their friends happened to show up, sometimes as whole school classes or football, basketball or wrestling teams; later her children's partners and spouses, her twelve grandchildren and their friends, exchange students and teachers from many different lands, visiting relatives, and so, so many friends, new and old. At mealtime, there was always great food or in between times, a fresh pot of coffee, a pitcher of lemonade or a bottle of wine on hand, a hidden stash of cashews to bring out. And of course, popcorn, popcorn, popcorn.
Jo's spirit and legacy live on in those she touched. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and most of all friend. To be in her presence was to be seen: she had the gift of appreciating each individual, with her innate warmth, curiosity and openness. She excelled as the matriarch of her large clan but was too funny, feisty and smart to be reduced to a prescribed role. A proud Iowa girl, she came from the tiny town of Rudd but had an expansive view of the world and people in all their diversity and with all their flaws. She faced heartbreaking losses ' especially the abrupt deaths of daughter and husband ' that might create bitterness but only added to her wisdom and empathy (including to herself). Besides her family and friends, she loved a good book, bridge, a cup of coffee, a cigarette, a glass of chardonnay, her transistor radio, NPR, penny slot machines, Sonny Rollins, the Democratic Party, black licorice, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
The world has lost a true individual. Although Jo's passing leaves a painful, gaping hole in the lives of her family and friends, all can take comfort in the fact that she will live on in the hearts, minds and actions of her family members and of those who have come to call her a friend. Godspeed, Jo.
Jo was a resident at Meth-Wick for the last five years where she enjoyed seeing other old friends from Mount Vernon and Cedar Rapids who were residing there and where she, being Jo, made a host of new friends and acquaintances. The COVID outbreak brought an end to card parties and birthday gatherings, to visits from outside friends and family. The family would like to thank Meth-Wick, especially Cindy Scott and staff, for all they have done to help Jo deal with health challenges over the last several months. The family's deep gratitude, as well, to the medical and nursing staff at Mercy Hospital for the competent, compassionate and tireless care they have given her. You truly are our heroes.
The family suggests sending memorial contributions to the Mercy Employee Relief Fund at Mercy Medical Center,701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52403, mercyfoundation@mercycare.org, the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program Inc., HACAP-Food Reservoir, 1515 Hawkeye Drive, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233-1102, https://www.hacap.org/donate, or to a local charity of your choice dedicated to helping people who need a helping hand.
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As a friend to Jo’s daughter, Meredith, I was one of the local kids that showed up at the Wilch house now and then. She was always welcoming and seemed genuinely interested in all of us. My favorite memory of her was when Meredith and I went to homecoming together and had dinner in the Wilch home with another couple instead of going to a restaurant. Jo and John were the wait staff. Over 35 years later and over 2000 miles away, I still think of Jo and her remarkable family frequently. Dear Wilch family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, John Gaston
I am so sorry that you and all of us who are lucky enough to call Jo “friend” must say farewell. She was my treasured friend and I just received a note from her urging me to “hurry up” and get moved to Meth Wick. I will miss her. Blessings are wished for all of you. Barb Colehour
May Jo Ann Wilch rest in peace. And peace also be with those who loved her.
How sad to learn of Jo’s passing. What a love she was and had the patience of a saint. Jo used to come out to our house for fresh liver, she liked it so much, so I was VERY glad to send it home with her. Jo was always smiling and was so positive about people and things. Always remember Jo’s lovely smile and keep her memory close to your heart. With sympathy, Annamae Baker
All I can see is how blessed and grateful I am to have known and called Jo my aunt. My Children and I were so lucky to have this kind gentle lady in our lives. I know she was greeted in heaven by John,Meredith,GabeJr,Gabe III with hugs and kisses. Thank you Aunt Jo for all you brought to my life.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to John, Jarene, John Jr and Jane. It is never easy to lose a loved one, no matter the age. God Bless, Jeff and Diane Fall
I, like so many kids growing up in Mount Vernon, had a the opportunity to spend time at the Wilch Home. I look back with fond memories of Jo fixing green mash potatoes for Edie’s birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. My sympathy and love go out to everyone in the Wilch Family. Mary Ellison Colee & Family
Our sympathy to Jo’s family. We sat behind John and Jo Wilch in church for many years. They were always very friendly, well respected members of our parish and we miss seeing them both.
On overnights with Matt, Jo would make me feel like one of her own. I have treasured that feeling all of my life. What a wonderful woman and what a wonderful family.
Hugs to all the family; I’m so sad to hear about Jo. She was the ultimate hostess, no matter the day or hour, you always felt welcomes and heard, and you knew you would be treated to a wonderful conversation. No one like her; she was an irreplaceable gift to all of us
My sympathies to all of Jo’s family. She was a wonderful friend to my mother, Jan Lewis, her neighbor and fellow bridge player at Methwick, and to me, whenever we came to visit. Jo was a true friend and confidante to my Mom, helping her with little everyday tasks, and especially, during this past summer, joining her in afternoon sit and chat sessions on the porch at Greenwood to try to put a little normalcy into their lives. She was a very special person and she will be greatly missed. Karen Cyr
Jo and John were special people. They both were a significant part of the Mount Vernon community. Jo will certainly be missed, but not forgotten. My sympathy to Jo’s family.
I adored Jo Wilch. She was so welcoming to me when we moved to Mt. Vernon. She and John were icons in the community. We were part of the same “stitch” group and gathered on Tuesday mornings for coffee and conversation. She was a good friend. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Dear Wilch family, sending deepest sympathies to all your family at the loss of your mother. I remember Jo as being one of “those moms” that was always there for any school or community event; active, organizing, participating. The loving household she created was evident in the lives of her children. Remembering her fondly today, and keeping her family in prayer as you say good bye, and cherish your memories.
Dear Wilch Family, So saddened to learn of your mom’s passing… Jo was one of the matriarchs of Mount Vernon when we were growing up – Dan and my brother, Dan, were in the same class, and I was in class with Pat… Our mother, Marianne Bern, found a great friend in Jo and together they read books at Ingleside and were passionate about the League of Women Voters…I will always remember Jo’s positive and abounding energy, her broad smile and strong presence and how she greatly influenced our lives and growth in Mount Vernon. May her memory be for a blessing.
I have a fond memory of Mrs. Wilch sneaking off with one of Dan’s brothers to have a smoke during Dean and Dan’s wedding reception. I don’t smoke, but it was fun to hang out with the naughty kids for a while.
Mögen dich die Engel ins Paradies geleiten, liebe Jo! Mit Dankbarkeit und Liebe, Rita, Wien
Dear Edie and Wilch Siblings–I was sadden to learn of your mother’s death. The Wilch family has a special place in my heart and always will. I have great memories of being at your house when we were all just kids. I love this picture of your mother. This is exactly as I remember her. Great smile. She was interested in people, how they were doing, and what they were doing. Such warmth. Your parents were a vibrant and important part of Mt. Vernon. I send both my sincere sympathy and hugs to all of you. Bonnie Pisarik
Dear Wilch Family, It is with great sadness to hear of Jo’s passing. She was my second mom for many years, when I spent all my waking moments at the Wilch house with my dear friend Meredith. I never felt like an outsider, and the warmth, energy, and nurturing that she provided was like an elixir. We reconnected a few years ago when I wrote an article about the Little House books in which I mentioned Meredith and our common passion for all things Laura Ingalls Wilder. Jo sent me a long lost photo of Meredith and I playing in the kitchen at the Wilch House. I cherish the photo and the memories. My thoughts are with your family.
I remember having the pleasure of getting together with Mr. and Mrs. Wilch on a lovely warm day at their home in Iowa. Mr. Wilch was such a charmer! I talked about my experiences with my new job teaching at Central Michigan University and Mrs. Wilch commented that she thought someday I would win the “teacher of the year” award. It was so encouraging to get that vote of confidence from her. Such a positive, upbeat person. We were lucky to have her in our lives.
We are holding you all in our hearts and offer our heartfelt condolences on Jo Anne’s passing. This memorial is meant to honor Jo Anne.
Thinking of Jo today, and how she always had an aside, a word, a chuckle, a moment of attention for me even when surrounded by her own family. She was always good to be around — in whatever circumstances, in whatever moods. I think more than any one event, I miss her gift of presence. She knew how to “be there.” I miss her unique voice, her chuckle, the tilt of her head and smile when one or the other of us said something naughty. The way she called me “kid” up into my 61st year. I am lucky to have run into so many in her orbit, blessed to know her family members. Prayers and best wishes to all who miss Jo, mourn for her, and who didn’t have the chance for the customary basic human good-byes.