Dear Jo’s Family, I’m sorry for your loss, and pray for you all as you process through this time. I enjoyed the times I had with her at Iowa School for the Deaf and at Gallaudet University. She was a fun gal to be with. I loved Jo’s sense of humor. She will be sorely missed. Darsi

Darsi Dalen (Dippel)
August 4, 2021

Dear Jo’s family and sister, Sharon, Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. My husband, Steven, and his close friends from all over the U.S. remembered Joann while they went to Gally and were classmates. Steven’s close friends were saddened and offered you all their prayers. I got to know Joann when we were on the IAD board members. Joann was a secretary while I was an Education Advocate. We worked together a lot. Joanna and I enjoyed chatting about different sports teams, football stadiums with history and timeline, and others with our topic interests. We were avid sports fans together. I always remembered Joann’s last private email in my heart. I never forgot her last private email with her encouragement and support. I appreciated her so much. Joann was a caring person and had a big heart for our Deaf community. Joanna will deeply be missed so much. Carol and (Steven) Manning, Omaha, NE.

Carol Manning
August 5, 2021

Dear Jo’s family, Jo will be sorely miss by her class of 82 at Gallaudet University. Many of us were sad to learn about this. We shared our thoughts on our class of 82 Facebook. She is the most kind and cheerful human being for 5 years. She is friend with all of us! Hugs to you all from class of 82.

Michael Kaufer
August 5, 2021

Dear Jo’s family, Jo will be sorely miss by her class of 82 at Gallaudet University. Many of us were sad to learn about this. We shared our thoughts on our class of 82 Facebook. She is the most kind and cheerful human being for 5 years. She is friend with all of us! Hugs to you all from class of 82.

Michael Kaufer
August 6, 2021

Rick and i want to tell you that she will be missed by us and everyone else who knew her. Her smiles and the infectious laughter(s). She loved to crack jokes and make people laugh. She shared the tuna twist recipe with us when we used to live in New Carrollton apts. often rode metro together before she moved back to Iowa! Will sorely miss her at our future class reunions. Cathy (gibberd) thompson ‘82

Cathy and rick thompson
August 6, 2021

Dear Sharon~You most likely dont remember me, but Joann and I met in Belmond, when we were just middle school girls. I lived in Waverly. Once while I was visiting our elderly uncle and aunt, who lived a block away from your house, Joann and your dad were at their home mowing their lawn for them. I had learned ABCs in sign, so I went out and spelled everything to her. She was so excited and we exchanged addresses and wrote to one another all through school and even into college. We enjoyed seeing each other when we had holiday and summer breaks. I think your family even stopped into my college in TN once to visit me, while you were on vacation. Because of Joann I became an interpreter for the deaf ! I remember, back in the ' 80‘s, visiting her in Washington and she took me on a tour of Gallaudet. I regret that we had lost track of one another over the years but glad a friend here in Chattanooga, who went to ISD w/ her, had contacted me of her passing. She was a wonderful sweet gal that everyone has great memories of her. I know I shall meet her again. I pray the Lord will send your family special blessings of comfort in this time, as she will be greatly missed by all ! ~Sincerely, Mary (Young) Sheetz Chattanooga, TN

Mary (Young) Sheetz (from Waverly Iowa)
August 6, 2021

Dear Joann's family. I am truly so sorry for the loss! She was my assistant coach when I was hired as a Women's Softball Head Coach at Gallaudet in spring 1984. She served one year with me. She was a wonderful person to work with. We have known each other since 1977. I miss her terribly. Sending you my love and warm hugs, Sarah

Sarah Burton Doleac
August 8, 2021

Sharon and family I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. I’m sending prayers for all of you. You may not remember me but you used to babysit me when I lived across from your parents in Belmond.

Emily Walrod
August 12, 2021

Sharon and family I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. I’m sending prayers for all of you. You may not remember me but you used to babysit me when I lived across from your parents in Belmond.

Emily Walrod
August 12, 2021