Jo Ann Schwengler
March 14, 1940 ~ February 11, 2018
Jo Ann Schwengler, 77, Fargo, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2018 at Bethany Retirement Homes.
Margaret Jo Ann Hoepfner was born March 14, 1940, to Valentine and Ella (Wiedrich) Hoepfner on a farm near Hazen, ND. She attended school and graduated there. While living in Bismarck, she met Jake Schwengler; they married in 1961, and the two shared an amazing 51-year relationship until his death in 2012. Their lives were enriched by children and grandchildren, travel, and sporting events, especially RedHawks baseball. Over the years, Jo enjoyed many activites and hobbies, including knitting, baking, collecting, and cooking German foods. If you knew her, she likely fried you a fleischkuechle and served you pistachio bundt cake at least once. Jo participated in a decades-long friendship group of Air National Guard wives they called sewing club. During her lifetime, Jo cared for a countless number of children in her home; many of these families became life-long friends.
Jo Ann is survived by one daughter, Jacqueline, Minneapolis; two sons: Jeffrey, Anchorage, and Jason (Marijo), Fargo; seven grandchildren: Caleah, Marydis, Chandron, Jacob, Andrew, Simon, and David; one sister, Mary Ann; and three brothers: Gene, Tom, and Jim.
She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Jolonda Ann; and her parents.
Jo was loved by her family and friends, who will always remember her hearty laugh and how she lived out her Catholic faith in all aspects of her life.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 15, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration Life Center. To sign the online guest book, please go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
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I have gotten to know Jo at Bethany. She was one of the group that played bingo with my parents and ate with them in the dining room. When she heard that my great Niece’s name was Ella, she was thrilled as it was her mother’s name. She always was asking about her. We have missed her out and about for the last few months. I am so thankful that her pain and discomfort is over.
My 2nd mother when I lived in Fargo as a small lad. Jo always found time for me and always laughed at the things that would drive my parents nuts! Her big laugh and joy of life impacted, not only me, but also my parents. She’ll always be in my heart, my prayers,and my life!
My father was a resident at Bethany and my dad and I became friends with Jo right away. Jo would come over to my dad’s table at meal time, pat his hand and say “hello my friend”. So of course we became friends. It was so sweet. Jo even gave my dad a beanie baby. Jo is a very kind and sweet lady. She will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May you find peace and love through our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Dear Jason and Marijo and boys,
So sorry to learn of your mother passing. We will be in touch later.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Thoughts and prayers in your time of loss. She will be at peace and watching over daily.
Our thoughts are with you. God bless.
Wishing sincere sympathy to all of Jo Ann’s family. She was a wonderful person. Treasure the memories.
Jo Ann and I were classmates – Hazen HS Class of ’57.
RIP Jo. So nice growing up next to you and your family. Love Laura Williams Steidl and The Williams Family ❤️
In our thoughts and prayers. Treasure the memories!
Jim and Rosie Clemenson