Jo Ann Hollopeter

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Jo Ann Hollopeter on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Highland Ridge Care Center at the age of 90 years. She died peacefully after many decades of being a wife, mom, grandam, great grandma and friend to many.

Born on February 22, 1935 the daughter of Glen D and Maxine (Muckler) Walton in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She was the eldest of 3 girls. Much of her childhood was spend with her favorite companions, Andy and Lady her faithful dogs. After graduation from Emmetsburg High School, her father moved the family to Marengo where he worked for the phone company. IT was in Marengo that she met her future husband, Charles Hollopeter. They married December 19, 1953. To this union 2 sons were born: Thomas Eugene on October 12, 1954 and Timothy J born October 3, 1956. The family lived in Ladora at the “West end” as it was known for many years. There were lots of baseball and football games in that big back yard with all of the neighborhood kids playing until well past dark.

Jo was employed by Dr. Burns Byrum, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, United States Post Office and the Iowa County Care Facility during her working career. She was a wonderful cook and even shared some of her recipes with a local newspaper writing a weekly column called “Half Way up the Hill and Climbing”. She and Charlie retired and spent many winters living between La Feria, Texas and their son Tim’s house in rural Ladora. When the drive to Texas became too long, they relocated to Highland Ridge Independent Living where they enjoyed card games, board games and lots of coffee clutches. Charlie passed away in 2013 and Jo remained at Highland Ridge until her passing.

Jo is survived by sons Tom (Jeanne) of Grinnell, Tim (Rae Jean) of Ladora, sister Mollie Koch of Brownstown, Indiana, 5 granddaughters: Heather Hollopeter of Belle Plaine, Iowa, Wendy (Graham) Oswald of Wildwood, Missouri, Lisa Hollopeter of Grinnell, Samantha (Jake) Moyer of Trussville, Alabama and Amy (Nick) Arens of Hartwick, Iowa as well as 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charlie, sister Cindy and her beloved Misty May the Maltese terrorist. Per her wishes there will be no service or visitation. Powell Funeral Home is caring for Jo and her family.