Jo Lynn Genter-White

1958 - 2025

Jo Lynn Genter-White

May 16, 1958 - February 23, 2025

The family of Jo Lynn (Zavoral) Genter-White is heartbroken to announce that our wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandma, and aunt left us far too soon on Sunday February 23 at her home in Palm Harbor, FL. She passed peacefully surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with an aggressive cancer. Cancer sucks.

Born on May 16, 1958 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Jo was known for her ready smile, prankster's wit, loving spirit, and a servant's heart with genuine care for others. She made fast friends, and was a special kind of person who brightened the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

Jo was the oldest of five kids born to Jim and Joan Zavoral, and spent her first five years in Grand Forks, Minneapolis, Washington DC, El Paso, Milwaukee, Anderson, California, Augusta, Maine, and finally made it home to Madison in time to start kindergarten.

Growing up she was active in youth sports and an avid snow and water skier. She loved to make up tricks in the winter at Telemark and in the summer on Lakes Owen and Monona. She was a bit of a daredevil and was known for her show-off smile. She was the leader of the family and famously saved up money to buy Hondo the horse, encouraging her siblings to contribute to the fund.

She excelled in volleyball at Madison La Follette, graduating in 1976. She received her Physical Education degree from UW-Madison in 1982 alongside her mother and sister who received degrees at the same time. During her long career at American Family Insurance, she was a respected trainer and program developer for multiple initiatives.

Jo Lynn was married to Kelly Genter and the two were parents to daughter Lindsay Jo. She later married Chris White and were parents to son Aaron and daughter Andrea. A dedicated sports and dance mom, she was always in the midst of their activities. She loved her kids and grandkids fiercely, and would do anything for them. There was always a project going on and lists being made, and she loved to cross out the tasks. "So satisfying". She was a feared Euchre opponent and sought-after partner, and organized multiple tournaments for families and friends. She used to say that the last place finishers would win "lessons."

A celebration of Jo Lynn's life will be held on Sunday, May 18 from 2-6 p.m. at Christy's Landing on Lake Waubesa. Friends and family are invited to gather together to share memories, laughter, and the love that Jo Lynn inspired in each of us.

Jo Lynn was preceded in death by her loving father Jim Zavoral. She is survived by her mother Joan Zavoral, husband Chris White, daughters Lindsay (Curt) Husting and Andrea (Eddie) Perez, son Aaron White, grandchildren Kaelyn and Kendal Husting (Squirrels), sisters Julie Zavoral (Phil Coan) and Jane Zavoral (Tom Dunn), brothers Jim Zavoral (Jean Schroeder) and Jack (Tina) Zavoral, along with many loving nieces and nephews, and her favorite furry friend - Ozzy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Washington County Humane Society, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, or an organization that serves Jo Lynn's memory.

Though she may no longer be with us in body, Jo's spirit will forever remain a guiding light in our lives. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.