Jody Moeller

Josephine "Jody" Frances Moeller (nee Hendricks), 91, of Ypsilanti, MI, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI, surrounded by family and love. She was born in Breese, IL, lived in O'Fallon, IL, and then many places in the Chicago area before moving to MI to be near her daughter, Carolyn.

Jody was an adventurer at heart, inheriting a love for nature and the mountains from her parents. She was only 13 when she hiked up Longs Peak in Colorado, a challenging trail for someone her age and probably much less safe back in 1947. She took her first trip to Europe when she was 23 years old and working as a teacher. Her family still has some of the mementos she brought home from that trip.

During her empty nester years, she visited more than a dozen countries with tour groups and relatives. She rode a camel in Egypt and rented a car in Scotland for a day, driving on the wrong side of the road to visit sites she wanted to see. In Germany, Jody and her family visited a bar she had been to on her first trip.

Most will remember Jody's love of family history and genealogy. She did so much research and put together so many wonderful books and resources for her family. She worked for many years at the Urbana Free Library, near the University of Illinois, and then at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, IL. She really enjoyed her career as a librarian where she was able to help others with their own genealogical research.

Jody's family are blessed that she never suffered from dementia. She was able to tell stories about the old places in O'Fallon, like the house at 110 7th Street that one of her great, great, great relatives built. She also shared stories that gave real insight into who her parents were and how many traits they passed down, Grandpa's blue eyes, musical talent, and the everlasting love for the mountains, to name a few. Her family will miss those stories.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Guess and Gertrude Mae Hendricks (nee Lienesch).

Left to cherish Jody's memory are her daughter, Carolyn M. Moeller of Ypsilanti, MI.; her son-in-law, David O. Stevens of Ypsilanti, MI.; her son and daughter-in-law, James H. and Cheryl J. Moeller of Eagan, MN; four grandchildren, Justin G. Moeller, Nathan D. Moeller, Emily C. Moeller, Olivia M. Stevens; as well as two great grandchildren, Alice S. Moeller and Owen J. Moeller.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

There will be a private graveside service at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services.