Josephine W. "Jo" Yoder

Born Maybelle Josephine Wormley, died on December 9, 2005, at her home at The Three Pillars Masonic Home in Dousman, WI, surrounded by her loving family. Josephine was 95 years old. On October 16, 1910, Josephine was born to Dick and Leona Wormley, on the Wormley family farm, located just north of Newton, Iowa. Theirs was a musical family, with her four brothers and father sharing musical talents with Jo. During her high school years, Josephine gave piano lessons as well as played at the local movie theatre providing sound track for the silent movies. Determined to follow her muse, Josephine graduated from Grinnell College in Grinnell Iowa, majoring in music. Josephine enjoyed a long and adventurous life. A talented and accomplished pianist, she blended a life devoted to both her music and her children. Josephine met her husband-to-be, Charles Yoder, while working at a Settlement House in Philadelphia, PA, where she was teaching music and English. Jo and Charlie were married in 1939, and shortly after moved to Washington DC, where Charles worked for the US government as an engineer during WWII. During this time, a son, Charles Neale Yoder was born. Later, they moved to Milwaukee, WI, where a daughter, Janica Jeanne Yoder, was born. While raising her family, Josephine continued her music career.

An respected member of Milwaukee's music community, Josephine was also a member of the MacDowell Club and P.E.O. Later on, she volunteered her accompanying services for music students of Carroll College as they performed in singing competitions. Throughout her life, she maintained close contact with her four brothers, Samuel, Richard, Jack, and James, as well as their families. Tragically, in 1968, Charlie and Jo

lost their only son, Neale, to a mountain climbing accident. Josephine is survived by her daughter, Janica Yoder, an artist; her granddaughter, Alexandria Yoder-Fox, both of Dousman, WI; and her remaining brother, Jack Wormley of Newton, Iowa; her nephews David Wormley and family of State College, PA; Jon Wormley and family of Hilton Head, SC; Phil Wormley of Phoenix, AZ; Sam Wormley and family of Ames, Iowa; and her nieces Kathy Siemsen and family of Fairfield, Iowa; and Karen Phippard and family of Albuquerque, NM.

Wake and service were private, per Josephine's wishes. Enquiries may be directed to The Pagenkopf Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to: SEASONS HOSPICE AND PALLATIVE CARE, 4650 N. Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53212. (414)-379-5101

PAGENKOPF FUNERAL HOME

Oconomowoc 262-567-4457

www.pagenkopf.com