Jo A. Molitor, age 90, of Carroll, IA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at her home in Carroll surrounded by her family.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at St. John Paul II Parish – Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Carroll with Fr. Craig Collison as Celebrant assisted by Deacon Alan Loew. Lectors for the Mass will be Jill Prenger, Matthew Prenger, and Kara Molitor. Gift bearers will be Jo’s great-grandchildren. Music for the Mass will be by Kathy Halbur and Kathleen Macke. Casket bearers will be Jo’s grandchildren: Kristin Molitor, Jill Prenger, Kara Molitor, Katy Molitor, Matt Prenger, and Tyler Prenger. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.
A Rosary will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll at 4:30 P.M. on Monday with visitation following from 5 – 7 P.M. The casket will be moved to Holy Spirit Church at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday where visitation will resume until 10:15 A.M. prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Carroll High Booster Club and may be left with the funeral home or at the church.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Jo was born to Glenn and Geneva (Ludwick) Mill on August 24, 1933. She graduated from Central High School in Souix City then went to Buena Vista University to pursue her lifelong interest in teaching. While at Buena Vista, she met Alvin “Al” Molitor where they fell in love. After graduating, she married Al on July 18, 1956, at St. Jean’s Catholic Church in Sioux City. They moved to California then to Coon Rapids, IA, eventually landing in Carroll.
All the while, Jo pursued her passion for teaching and fulfilled her thirst for knowledge by continuing her education at Drake University, Augustana College, and the University of South Dakota.
Jo loved teaching. She wanted every student to succeed and would take the time to ensure each student’s success. She impacted many students who will never forget her or her quips like “What does that have to do with the price of rice in China,” and “What will it matter in 50 years?”. Jo’s students will tell you what matters after her 50 years of teaching – she did and her effect on their lives. She retired after 50 years and cared for her husband Al, who had dementia.
Jo not only loved sharing her knowledge with others, but she also loved sharing the fruits of her labor. She was known for always having a garden and had one until she passed. For many years, Jo and Al enjoyed tending their garden on their acreage. Jo loved growing fruits and vegetables and sharing them with others. She would freeze her strawberries that were a special treat with her homemade ice cream during birthdays and other events.
Jo also enjoyed baking, especially with her grandchildren. Every Christmas and Easter, she would make her famous roll out cookies with her grandchildren helping them roll out the dough, cut out the cookies, and decorate. She would always make extra baked goods for Christmas making sure everyone had their favorite treat. Then she and her grandchildren would make goodie packages to share.
In her free time, Jo enjoyed sewing, reading, playing duplicate and couples bridge, and putting together puzzles.
Jo is survived by her son Jim Molitor (Teri) of Carroll; her daughter Amy Prenger (Louie) of Carroll; six grandchildren Kristin Molitor of Caroll, Kara Molitor (Michael Kostka) of Burbank, CA, Kaitlyn Molitor of Urbandale, Jill Prenger of Ft. Myers, FL, Matthew Prenger (Natasha) of Carroll, and Tyler Prenger of Carroll; seven great grandchildren: Kierstynn, Miekko, Jadon, Anastasia, Matthew Jr., Beila, and Brody; and brother-in-law Allen Molitor (Lynne) of Winnetka, IL.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lorna Mill Barrell, and her husband Alvin Molitor.