Jo Ann was a second mother to me as I spent almost as much time at the Ronnenberg's, in the summer months, as I did at my own home on 31st Street in Cedar Rapids. JoAnn always greeted me with a smile, food, cold lemonade and conversation which helped me know I had a second mom in this world. I have fond memories of times with the Ronnenberg Family and of course, Mike, my best friend from kindergarten through high school *Cleveland through Jefferson schools. I am sad to hear of JoAnn's passing as she struggled with the same disease my own mother died from in 2018. I am praying for the whole family and Psalm 116:15 comes to mind, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
She was a great woman of the Lord. God's gain - our loss!
Jerry Ernst - Mount Vernon, Ohio
Jerry Ernst
June 15, 2021
Jo Ann was the most sweet neighbor to have growing up! She always was so kind and caring and always down for a good chat! Every time we talked I seemed to learn something new about her, a tidbit of her life that she felt important to share, so it was nice to get to know her this way. She was always excited to receive baked goods from my mom and I, too, and we looked forward to bringing them down and talking with Jo Ann. Her care for those around her was unmistakable, she was truly a good and kind soul and will be deeply missed.
Catherine Orr
June 13, 2021
Jo Ann was the most sweet neighbor to have growing up! She always was so kind and caring and always down for a good chat! Every time we talked I seemed to learn something new about her, a tidbit of her life that she felt important to share, so it was nice to get to know her this way. She was always excited to receive baked goods from my mom and I, too, and we looked forward to bringing them down and talking with Jo Ann. Her care for those around her was unmistakable, she was truly a good and kind soul and will be deeply missed.
Catherine Orr
June 13, 2021
I also had the pleasure of working with Jo Ann in the Children’s Department of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Though she was quite a bit older than me, we always had fun together while working on projects, story times, parties and crafts for the children who came to the library. What a joyful place it was to work there, and we were more like family than just co-workers. Jo Ann was generous in sharing her experience, and always willing to help those of us with young children when we needed to juggle our work schedules with home duty. She had a great laugh, a sparkle in her eyes, and I cannot think of one instance of her saying an unkind word about anyone. She was a gift to her friends and family alike, and she will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Peggy Kubczak
June 13, 2021
Jo Ann and I were high school friends. After graduating four of us girls shared an apartment while we were "working girls" in Cedar Rapids. We had many good times and Jo Ann was always good humored and fun loving. As we had our own families and were separated by distance we didn't see much of each other - but I always looked forward to her Christmas cards that kept me up to date on her life and family. We spent many evenings in the 50's roller skating at the Millersburg skating rink which was the go-to-place for teens and families. Can't forget the pom poms we made for our skates and the skating skirts and neck scarves we had that were matching. Will miss knowing she is no longer with her family - but memories will stay with us all.
Audrey Van Dee Musgrove
June 13, 2021
Bill, Bill Jr, Julie, Mike and family - we are so sorry for hear of the loss of Jo Ann. We have lived across the street for over 25 years now and could not have asked for more wonderful friends and neighbors. Jo Ann was one of the nicest, most wonderful ladies I have ever met. She always, and I mean always had a smile on her face. She was so, so, so sweet. She always had a story to share and always asked about our family. She always made a point of talking with our kids when she saw them also. Everyone loved Jo Ann and looked forward to seeing her and talking with her. You always knew you were going to have a wonderful chat with her. I always enjoyed hearing her stories about her life, growing up, moving to Cedar Rapids, meeting Bill, having her kids and grandkids, working at the library and how much she and Bill loved living where they did. There were times when I would talk with her and time would fly by so quickly and you would realize you were standing there chatting for hours. Jo Ann will be missed by every person who had the good fortune to meet her and get to know her. There was not a person she did not want to get to know and make them her friend. It was easy for her because she was just so wonderful. God Bless!! She will always be in everyone's hearts and memories :-)
Alana and Mitch Stephens
June 12, 2021
My Aunt Jo Ann was a big part of my life growing up. I remember when she got her first apartment and was very excited to get settled into it. I remember when she met my Uncle Bill. He didn’t have much patience with us little kids, especially when I snapped him in the back of the head with the clothesline when I was about 7, LOL. Jo Ann thought it was funny, too, but Bill sure didn’t. It’s a good thing my sister, Sharon and I, got to be flower girls in their wedding the year before or I might not have made the cut! It is a memory I will never forget.
Jo Ann was always so cheerful, chatty, and concerned about my well being and that of others. She never knew a stranger, had a great sense of humor and was dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and the rest of her family. I will always remember the many holidays spent together.
My heart goes out to my Uncle Bill as well as my cousins and their families. Heaven has taken home another angel.
I’m sorry I can’t be at the service to give you all hugs and celebrate the life of a really special person. Know I will be thinking of you!
Cathi Conner Durbin
June 12, 2021
I remember growing up a house down from Jo Ann and all the memories I have of her are of her smiling so brightly. She was always so kind and caring towards everybody. Often times I would run into her in the field behind the houses, she would ask about how school was going or the rest of the family, usually commenting about how the gardens were doing. Being in the Navy coming home is always different but now that Jo Ann has passed it will be even more different not seeing her smile, however the memory of her smile will always be with me and I am thankful to have been able to share many moments with her.
William Orr
June 12, 2021
I was so sorry to hear that Jo Ann passed away. Jo Ann and I worked together at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in the Children's department and enjoyed many years working together on story times, summer reading and other projects until she retired. She was a helpful mentor when I started in June of 1985. I will miss her! My love and prayers to all your family.
Jolene Whiting
June 12, 2021
I am soooo very sorry to hear of Jo Ann passing! Julie and I went to High School together and swam on swim team together! I remember Jo Ann and Bill at all the swim meets cheering Julie and our whole team on! They never missed a one! I remember Jo Ann as being very kind and hospitable whenever I would come over! One of the sweetest ladies I’ve known! Praying for peace, strength and comfort at this time, she will truly be missed by all!!! Much love to your family!!
Kathi Johnson
June 11, 2021
Betty Graham
Bill & Family:
Jo Ann was a very "special" person and she will be greatly missed by all her knew her, but fond memories will live on forever!
BETTY A GRAHAM
June 11, 2021
I am soooo very sorry to hear of Jo Ann passing! Julie and I went to High School together and swam on swim team together! I remember Jo Ann and Bill at all the swim meets cheering Julie and our whole team on! They never missed a one! I remember Jo Ann as being very kind and hospitable whenever I would come over! One of the sweetest ladies I’ve known! Praying for peace, strength and comfort at this time, she will truly be missed by all!!! Much love to your family!!
Kathi Johnson
June 11, 2021
To All of the Ronnenberg family,
Jo Ann was a blessing to all who knew her. She was the first person to welcome us to the neighborhood and she was there for us every day after. Jo Ann was the mama bear for all of the kids . She would watch them ride their bikes, skateboard , or even run back and forth from the creek covered in mud. Most times, the kids would stop along the way to chat with her or share their adventures. She would see us walking the dogs and we would have to stop and give “dog kisses” to Miss Jo Ann. She would always say she didn’t need a dog because she had ours that would visit her and often didn’t want to leave. As always, Jo Ann was worried about how her hair looked and whether we caught her in her nightgown. It never mattered to us and she always answered the door when someone knocked. Much of the time, we would meet in the field and talk about her own kids, grandkids , or her flowers and always she would want an update on my kids. The last time I saw her was around Mother’s Day and as Lola, my dog sat on her feet, Jo Ann was still Jo Ann asking about the family, worrying about her hair, and looking forward to hanging out in the backyard this summer. We all loved her so much and she will be missed by so many. The neighborhood will not be the same without her. All of our love to you as you go through this very tough time and to Bill, we will meet you in the backyard.
Wendy Orr
June 11, 2021
Aunt Jo was the person I leaned on when I went through a difficult time. She showed grace and love for so many and will be greatly missed. Sending much love, hugs and sympathy to Uncle Bill, all the Cousins and their families.
Kristina
June 10, 2021