Jo Ann Kates, born on April 14, 1936, in Basin, WY, was the daughter of Alfred C. and Verde Lucille (Muller) Burnam. She passed away on February 15, 2025, at the Country House in Council Bluffs, IA, at the age of 88 years, 10 months, and 1 day.
Jo spent her early years in Wyoming before moving to Wiota, IA, where she graduated from Wiota High School. She worked as a telephone operator in Atlantic and Griswold for several years. On September 19, 1959, Jo married Richard Kates in Ralston, NE. The couple lived in Oakland and later moved to a farm outside of Oakland before returning to town. Jo dedicated 20 years of her career to Hardware Hank’s in Oakland and later worked at Citizens State Bank until her retirement.
Jo was a nurturing presence in her community, having babysat for many neighborhood children. She had been actively involved as a cub scout leader and a Sunday school teacher. In her retirement, she volunteered countless hours to the Nishna Heritage Museum.
Jo is preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, and her sister Jackie.
She is survived by her children, Linda Smith of Omaha, NE, Lisa Rollins and husband Monty of Oakland, IA, Larry Kates of Oakland, IA, and Lonnie Kates and wife Julie of Carson, IA. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.
A funeral service for Jo will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4-6 PM, at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Carson Cemetery. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family.
