Josephine Charlotte Eisenbraun

1937 - 2026

Josephine "Jo" Eisenbraun, 88, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at Tea Retirement Living under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice, surrounded by the love of her family.

Jo was born in Luverne, Minnesota to Charles and Inez Ward. She grew up in the Hills, Minnesota area and graduated from Hills High School. After high school, she briefly attended South Dakota State University majoring in Home Economics. She lived a life full of passion, hard work, and devotion to those she loved. For nearly 30 years, she built a successful career as a Mary Kay Consultant, earning her place in the prestigious Queens Court of Sales for several years and proudly wearing the bling that came with that honor. Her warmth and entrepreneurial spirit touched countless lives. Before her Mary Kay years, Jo worked in payroll at Sioux Valley Hospital and spent time with the Sioux Falls School District, always bringing her characteristic dedication to everything she did.

Jo married Gerry Eisenbraun on August 7, 1982, beginning a partnership filled with adventure and joy. They loved hosting parties and opening their home to friends and family. Together they traveled to Hawaii, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Washington DC, and cherished visits with their children. An avid sports fan, Jo passionately followed the Duke Blue Devils in college basketball, cheered for the San Francisco 49ers during the Joe Montana era, and rooted for the LA Lakers.

In retirement, Jo and Gerry embraced a new chapter, first as snowbirds and then permanently relocating to Laughlin, Nevada. After Gerry's passing, Jo returned to Sioux Falls in 2023 to be closer to the family she cherished.

Jo is survived by her three children: Jeffrey (Holly) Horn, Brian (Mary) Horn, and Nancy (David) Janak; seven grandchildren: Kayree (Jourdan), Lindley (Zeke), Shayla (Brandon), Justin (Amy), Tasha (Dan), Kaitlyn, and Ethan (Emily); and ten great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Inez Ward; her beloved husband, Gerry; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Janice Ward; and her great-granddaughter, Hadley Horn.

Jo's legacy of love, determination, and a little bit of sassiness will live on in all who knew her.