JoAnne Margaret Getz Gerding

JoAnne Margaret Getz Gerding of Aurora, IL, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, at the age of 80.

JoAnne was the loving mother of John Gerding (Jenny), Joseph Gerding (Dawn), James Gerding, and Julianne Winterhalter (Michael); proud grandmother of Jamison, Molly, Connor, and Fiona Gerding; and dear sister of James Getz (Rosie) and Christine Weston (Doug). She is also survived by the father of her children, John Gerding (Shirley). In addition, JoAnne had great affection for her furry friends, treating each and every one like a valuable family member. Her beloved canine, Ernie, sadly departed his life only days after JoAnne's passing.

JoAnne was born in Chicago, IL, on July 20, 1945, to Rita and Joseph Getz, who relocated to Orange County, CA, while she was a teenager. During high school at Rancho Alamitos in Garden Grove, she worked at the newly founded Disneyland, where she had the privilege of meeting entertainers Steve Martin and Katharine Hepburn in addition to Walt Disney himself. Her college career began at the University of California in Los Angeles, and she ultimately obtained her bachelor's degree at California State University, Fullerton.

After raising her family in the Chicago suburbs, JoAnne obtained her teaching certificate at Benedictine University in Lisle, and subsequently graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb with a Masters in Latin American and Asian History. JoAnne had a passion for teaching for over 25 years, first as a History and Social Sciences Instructor at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, then as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove in Adult Education and Workforce Development, and finally as an Academic Proficiency Instructor at Benedictine University in the International Students Program. JoAnne was also a coordinator and trainer at Literacy Volunteers of Fox Valley, English Encore, an Instructional Technology Specialist at Eliminate the Digital Divide, and an Educational Technology Coach. JoAnne was extremely dedicated to all of her students, often devoting extra time on evenings and weekends to tutor.

JoAnne was a philanthropist, volunteering at or contributing to the League of Women Voters, National Alliance of Mental Illness, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Irish Children's Fund, various veterans organizations, and public broadcasting services. JoAnne was also an avid reader. She was a member of the same book club for 35 years, and briefly owned a bookstore in Oswego, Illinois - Jo's Book Browser.

JoAnne's memory will live on in the hearts of the many who loved her. In accordance with her wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be determined by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

National Public Radio https://www.npr.org/donations/support

OR

Pencils of Promise https://pencilsofpromise.org/ways-to-support/?campaign=663228