Jo Ann Harmsen, 95, of Rio Rancho, NM, and formerly of Atlantic, IA, died on March 22, 2024.
Jo Ann was born October 31, 1928, in Harlan, Iowa, the daughter of Grover C. and Ruth (Tucker) Abrell; she grew up there and graduated from Harlan High School in 1947. She was united in marriage to Lloyd W. Harmsen on February 20, 1949, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan. They lived on the Harmsen farm in Walnut, Iowa for 23 years.
The family first moved to Atlantic, IA in 1957, where she was employed at Moorman Manufacturing Company for five years and two years at Federal Crop Insurance. The family moved back to the farm in 1963, before moving returning to Atlantic in 1973, where she worked as an assistant librarian at Atlantic Carnegie Public Library for ten years.
In 1983, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and starting in 1985, Jo Ann was assistant manager for Echo Ridge Homes Coop for thirteen years. In 1989, Jo Ann and Lloyd moved into their new home in Rio Rancho, NM before retiring in 1998.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM, for nine years, and before this, she was a member of Christ Lutheran Church for 30 years.
Surviving is her one son, Matthew L. Harmsen of Rio Rancho, NM; four grandsons; Scott W. Harmsen and wife Cynthia of Papillion, NE, Gregory E. Harmsen and wife Tara of Council Bluffs, IA, Charles M. Harmsen of Council Bluffs, IA, and Joe K. Olson and wife Rochelle of Lindstrom, MN; one granddaughter, Sara Olson of Mora, MN; nine great grandchildren; Joseph & Kaleb Olson of Lindstrom, MN, twins Jacob & Caleb Harmsen of Overland Park, KS, Hunter & Brandon Harmsen and Chelsea Kohl of Council Bluffs, IA, and Stacy & Sean Harmsen of Papillion, NE; nephews, Corbin & Preston Mathiesen; and nieces, Brett Mathiesen, Deborah Hochstadt and Donna Hunsaker.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd W. Harmsen on June 24, 2000; son, Mark W. Harmsen on November 9, 2018; her parents; both sets of grandparents; brother, Freal E. Abrell; sister, Madge L. Abrell; sister and brother-in-law, Roberta (Gene) Abrell Mathiesen; and one nephew, Kenneth Abrell.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 5, 2024, at the Atlantic Cemetery with Pastor Kyle McBee of Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic officiating.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jo Ann’s family and her local arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
