Jo Ann Kisner

1946 - 2025

Jo Ann Kisner

October 26, 1946 - November 8, 2025

Jo Ann Kisner, 97, of Grand Island, Neb., passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at Tiffany Square Nursing Home.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island is entrusted with the arrangements.

A visitation will be held at 8:30 a.m., with a vigil rosary at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Grand Island.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the church, with Father Don Buhrman officiating the service.

Interment will be held in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to the Grand Generation Center or to Soldiers' Angels.

Jo Ann was born on April 17, 1928, in Centralia, Ill., to Thomas and Gertrude (Frazier) Wehrle. Jo Ann graduated from Carmi Township High School in May 1946.

Jo Ann was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bernard "Barney" Kisner, on October 26, 1946.

Together, Jo Ann and Barney farmed in Carmi, Ill., where she learned all aspects of raising row crops and polled Hereford cattle. When Barney rejoined the Army, the couple spent a memorable period living in Alaska between 1951 and 1952.

An active community member, Jo Ann served as the leader of the Dainty Debs 4-H Club from 1953 to 1965. After two decades of farming, Jo Ann and Barney began a new adventure as KFC franchisees, first opening a store in Fremont, Neb., before expanding into the Tri-Cities area. Following 18 successful years in business, they retired and purchased 170 acres in Howard County, where they built a beloved cabin-expanded three times over the years-before selling it in 2010.

Jo Ann was truly a social butterfly, known for her love of cards, especially bridge, canasta, and hand and foot. JoAnn's full-of-life laugh could brighten any room and will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, joining while the couple lived in Illinois and continuing her membership in Nebraska until her passing. She found deep fulfillment in her faith and was active in St. Leo's Lady Guild and the Catholic Daughters of America, Ave Maria Court #1263, serving as Regent from 1997 to 2001.

Service to others was central to Jo Ann's life. She volunteered for the American Red Cross for 35 years, faithfully scheduling bloodmobile appointments, and also served as secretary for the Grand Generation Center for multiple decades.

Those left to cherish her memory include several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and many dear friends who will remember her warmth, humor, and generous spirit.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Barney; brothers, Bob, John, and Charlie Wehrle; and sister, Verna Rudolph.

Condolences to the family and sharing of memories may be signed at www.livson.com.