Jo Schechinger

Jo Schechinger was born on January 31, 1951, to Leonard and Phyllis (Hocking) Schechinger in Carroll, Iowa. She passed away peacefully at the age of 74 from endometrial cancer.
Jo was the sixth of twelve children. She attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School and graduated from Kuemper High School in 1969.
After high school, Jo often joked that it took her eight years and twenty jobs to get to college. Thanks to what she called "the grace of God and an angel named Mary," she was able to begin her academic journey at DMACC in Boone on a scholarship. From 1977 to 1979, she studied at DMACC before transferring to Iowa State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology, psychology, and journalism in 1981. Jo continued her education, receiving a master's degree in education and counseling in 1983 from Pan American University.
Jo spent a brief time in Los Angeles working at Goodwill Industries as a test center operator before returning to Iowa. In August 1984, she began her career with the State of Iowa as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, helping others build skills and confidence as they navigated new career paths.
In 1991, Jo sustained a serious neck injury, fracturing her C5 vertebra. Through determination and self-directed rehabilitation, she recovered-and along the way, met another "angel" who introduced her to ESL (English as a Second Language) education. She began teaching ESL at DMACC in Boone, Ames, and Des Moines. Later, Jo moved to Ankeny and served as a K–12 substitute teacher in the Ankeny Public Schools.
Jo was a passionate advocate in the Central Iowa vegan community for over 14 years. She loved animals and surrounded herself with thriving plants. A constant crossword puzzle was always underway on her table, and she crocheted mats for dogs and cats in her spare time. Jo was also a devoted writer, with four books in progress at the time of her passing.
A devoted member of several 12-step recovery programs, Jo believed deeply in the power of service. She held service roles at all levels and made it a priority to welcome newcomers, who she lovingly called "the most important people in the room." (Though she'd often laugh and say, "Besides me!") Serenity was a guiding principle in her life, and one of her favorite topics in recovery.
Jo found purpose, joy, and belonging in the diverse and supportive communities she was part of-whether through recovery, education, advocacy, or friendship. One of her favorite quotes was: "Knowledge is power and power is freedom." -Francis Bacon
Jo is survived by her children Justin (Kerry) Weeces and Sara Weeces; grandson Jake; and great grandchildren; siblings Joyce Ditz, Dean (Marlene) Schechinger, Duane Schechinger, Dale (Cindy) Schechinger, Jill (Rick) Smith, Janell Schechinger, and Jean (Dan) Scott. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Lois (California), many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, the family of her heart, and a wide circle of dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Dennis Schechinger, Jane (Gary) Christianson, Janice Schechinger, and Julie (Dana) Accola. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Memorials may be directed to: The Stoddard Cancer Center % UnityPoint Health-Des Moines Foundation or Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine ().