Jo-Ann Behnken

Jo-Ann Joyce Behnken, 81, of Colesburg, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 17, 2014, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home.  She was born on November 10, 1932, in West Union, the daughter of Gilbert and Edith (Bartels) Stockman. Jo-Ann was raised and educated in the area, and graduated from West Union High School.  She also graduated from Upper Iowa University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Library Science.

Jo-Ann taught at Colesburg Elementary School until she met her future husband, Duane Richard Behnken, Sr. to whom she was married on August 22, 1954. Four children were born to this union. She stayed at home and raised her family until she returned to teaching at St. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Petersburg in 1966 until she retired after the 1992-1993 school year.

She loved children and books and enjoyed reading sewing, gardening, feeding people, and baking. There was always chocolate cake at her house. Jo-Ann was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her three children, Duane (Carol) Behnken, Jr. of Dyersville, Edith (Duane) Langerman of West Union, Nanette Hyde of Ottumwa; five grandchildren, Jeremiah, Tony, Bridget, John, and Regina; eight great-grandchildren, Karley, Pacey, Suttyn, Emery, Jay, Jayde, Jackson, and Cassie; and many nieces and nephews.

Jo-Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Duane on May 18, 1996; her daughter, Tammy Jo Behnken on June 28, 1993; three sisters, Alberta Gage, Darlene Lovik, and Lorraine Alexander; one brother, Chuck Stockman; a son-in-law, Roger Hyde; and a grandson, Jacob Langerman on November 27, 2012.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Visitation:   4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood and one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at United Methodist Church in Colesburg, Iowa.  Officiating:  Pastor Allen Craft

Interment: Brown Cemetery - Colesburg, Iowa

Casket Bearers: Bob Gage   Francis Clemens   Jerry Vorwald  Gene Kruse   John Kruse   Dennis Walthart   Mark Schilling Steve Wiskus

Music:   Ann Glime

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