Jo Morningstar
September 28, 2012
Wilma Joan Morningstar, 76, of rural Lisbon, formerly of Pulaski, Iowa, died on September 28, 2012 in a car - train accident. Jo was born in rural Arbela, Missouri on July 24, 1936 to Marion Andrew Erickson and Wilma Gertrude (Hicks) Erickson. She and her sisters, Helen, Joyce, Sharon and Nancy, spent most of their growing up years in Pulaski, Iowa. Joan graduated from Pulaski High School. She earned her teaching degree from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. On July 20th, 1958 she married Keith Morningstar. She taught elementary school in Tipton for two years. Joan was part of the Lisbon Community School District for over fifty years, taking time out to raise three children and assist her husband with farming. She enjoyed, teaching, serving and providing for others through the Lisbon United Methodist Church, judging county 4-H shows in numerous counties in eastern Iowa, and serving in various roles at Southeast Linn Community Center in Lisbon. She was known for her energy, selfless service, homemade noodles, rolls and all things pork. Joan dearly loved her children and grandchildren, showing it by attending so many of their activities. Her greatest joy was bringing the family together around her table, for one of her amazing meals. Jo was the ultimate example of living life, teaching us what family and community is all about. Jo is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Helen Joyce. She is survived by her husband, Keith, her children, Doug (Mary) Morningstar, Scott (Jacque) Morningstar of Lisbon, Amy (Dale) Winslette, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, twelve grand children, one great-grandson, her sisters Sharon (Douglas) Leslie of Charlottesville, Virginia, Nancy (Charlie) Bethards of Colleyville, Texas, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Lisbon United Methodist church, by Rev. Tom Mattson. Jo's visitation will be Monday, October 1, from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, at Morgan Funeral Choices in Mount Vernon. Jo will be buried in Lisbon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lisbon United Methodist Church, 200 East Market St., the Lisbon School Foundation, 235 West School Street, and the Southeast Linn Community Center, 108 South Washington Street, in Lisbon, 52253. On-line condolences, www.morganfuneralchoices.com
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Keith , Scott an family, Our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I will always remember her kindness an comfort she had given to me as a guest, always cheerfull an full of smiles. You have been blessed to have a terrific mom. God Bless to you an your family. Paul Kreimeyer.
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. We spent many Sat. at Coe softball games and so enjoyed our visits. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
My prayers are with the Morningstar family. Mrs. Morningstar will always be remembered by me as a great teacher, mother and as a person that deserved respect. She will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by her family and community.
Scott and all the Morningstar families; We are so saddened to hear of Jo’s tragic passing. She made a difference in the lives of many people and she will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Abbi Swanson and Paul Robinson
Aunt Sharon and family, I am very sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your sister. You and yours will be in our family’s prayers. Love and Peace, Michael and Family
We would like to express our condolences to the Morningstar family. Our prayers are with you. Ken and Donna McConaughy
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. I’m so glad we had the pleasure of meeting grandma Jo last year. May God bring you peace and comfort during such a difficult time.
Doug, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There’s nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. My deepest condolences.
Doug (and family), I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Patti Schutte Benesh emailed me about it and linked your mom’s obiturary. Moms hold a special place in our hearts and when they are taken too soon or too suddenly, our hearts ache that much more. I hope, in time, that your hearts will mend, but in the meantime, rely on your great memories to keep her close. Hug your family members, take care of yourself and I will offer up prayers of comfort for your family.
Keith and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Jo’s sudden passing. The world has truly lost a very special person. She will be forever remembered, forever missed. Our deepest sympathy.