Jo Jonsgaard

Jo Anne Jonsgaard, age 65, of Winona, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 16, 2020, with her loving husband and son by her side.

She was born on April 5, 1955, in Winona, to John and Anne (Carlson) Marsolek, and grew up on a hobby farm in Bluff Siding, Wisconsin, where Jo developed her love of animals, especially horses and horseback riding.

Jo married Robert Louis Jonsgaard on August 23, 1986.

Prior to retirement, Jo was employed with the Winona Developmental Achievement Center. She loved every minute of working with the clients, and she always said it was the best job she ever had.

Jo and Bob were inseparable, and they enjoyed short rides or trips to La Crosse, Rochester, and the Twin Cities. She appreciated the simpler things in life, and she especially enjoyed collecting all different things, watching Ghost Stories and Supernatural shows on TV, and celebrating and decorating for the holidays – her favorite was Easter, as she looked forward to spring and warmer weather.  Jo loved to bake – her Christmas frosted cookies and Rice Krispie bars were the best.

The most important part of Jo’s life was her family, and she cherished the time she spent with her son and grandson. Jo was a special lady who had a huge heart and always put others before herself. Despite her struggles with many health issues over the last several years, she was always a strong woman, and remained a fighter to the very end. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Jo is lovingly survived by her companion of 39 years, and husband of 33 years, Robert L. Jonsgaard; her only son: Dennis “DJ” (Trisha Running) Halverson; grandson: Payton Halverson; brothers: Steve (Barb) Marsolek and Russ (Helen) Marsolek; sister: Christine Reneson; mother-in-law: Carol Jonsgaard; sisters-in-law: Karen (Dale) Filand and Tammy (Dan Tlougan) Frey; brother-in-law: Bill (Sandy Peterson) Jonsgaard; long-time friend: Maxine Fawcett; and her beloved cat: Soxx.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law: Gary Jonsgaard, and her beloved cat, Cuddles.

Due to current health concerns, a celebration of Jo’s life is being planned for a future date and will be announced later.

The family respectfully asks that memorials be considered in lieu of flowers, and cards may be sent to the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home 376 East Sarnia Street  Winona, MN  55987.  Online condolences may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.