Lois “Joann” Christensen, daughter of Arthur and Mary (Martin) Thomas, was born on June 26, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away on May 3, 2023, at the Ruthven Care Center at the age of 93. A memorial service for Joann was held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Henry Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville, Iowa. A visitation was held prior to the service on Monday. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
At a young age the family moved to Rockwell City, then to Manson, where she graduated from high school. Joann attended Iowa State University for three years, she was from then on a lifelong Cyclone fan. On November 29, 1951, she was united in marriage to Douglas Christensen. The couple made their home the communities of Spirit Lake, Waverly and Audubon, before moving to Estherville in 1983. They owned Paris Dry Cleaning until 2004, when they retired. Doug died in 2008.
Jo was a member of the United Methodist Church of Estherville, where she was a very active member, especially in the Ruth Circle. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, and past member of WA TAN YE. She enjoyed reading, crafting, cooking, completing crossword puzzles and was a great seamstress. Summers were meant for watering skiing at Spirit Lake. One of her favorite weeks of the year was RAGBRAI, where she enjoyed being Cap’n Jo as a support driver for her children’s teams for 13 years. Jo and Doug were avid bowlers, competing in men’s, women’s and mixed leagues.
She was very pleased that her family enjoys being together, ‘specially on Christmas and June 26 (her birthday). Jo hopes that her children and grandchildren realize the LOVE in their family.
Jo is survived by her children Susan (Ira) Dickman of West Des Moines, Iowa, Linda Callahan of Cherokee, Iowa, Carol (Randy) Heuton of Albert City, Iowa, and Craig (Susie) Christensen of Spirit Lake, Iowa; 6 grandchildren: Bill (Stephanie) Maples, Richard (Pathana) Maples, Jina (Jason) Wood, Joel (Christina) Broich, Cassidy (Travis) Hatland, and Nick (Brittany) Christensen; and 13 great-grandchildren: Robert, Vincent, Brooklyn, Jaylyn, Taylor, Annie, Joshua, Lydia, Addison, Aiden, Karson, Emersyn, and Simon. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Virginia Thomas.
Joann is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son Charles, brother Jim Thomas, and son-in-law Wayne Callahan.
