Jo Ann (Wilson) Kelley, 76, passed away April 4, 2025, surrounded by her family, after a well fought battle with cancer.Jo was born on December 24, 1948 to Glen and Elsie (Price) Wilson in Buffalo Center, IA. Jo spent her youth in the upper Midwest, until her family settled in Lyle, MN, where she graduated in 1967.After graduation she married Jim Walsh (also from Lyle) and the couple moved to Stewartville, MN, where she eventually began her career at IBM. IBM fostered Jo’s love for travel, as she transferred multiple times before moving back to Minnesota to be near her family. Jo took a job at Weyerhaeuser (now International Paper), where she worked until she retired.Jo enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and her beloved dog, Bella. She especially loved attending all of her grandchildren’s activities. Jo loved spending time at “the cabin”; cooking for her family and reminiscing about old times. Jo had a great sense of humor and was an animated storyteller. Jo was a great listener and shared great advice. She gave of herself wholeheartedly. She always sacrificed for other’s happiness. Her love and kindness will greatly be missed.She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Walsh; parents, Glen and Elsie (Price) Wilson; brother, Paul Wilson; and sister, Pam Unger.Jo is survived by her children, Jeff (Theresa) Walsh, Stewartville, MN; Toni (Cole) Hastings and Bobby Kelley of Austin, MN. Brother, Jim (Liz) Wilson, Farmington, MN, sister, Debra Drews, Delano, MN; sister-in-law, Deb Wilson and brother-in-law, Arlin Unger. Grandchildren, Lakin; Shane; Josh; Brock; Baylie; Kale; Ryder; Avery and Tyler and four Great Grandchildren.Please join her family for Jo’s Celebration of Life, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Mapleview Community Center, 101 22nd Ave NW, Austin,
My mom is amazing. On top of all the hard work she did in life from place to place, she always did a great job taking care of us four. she was a positive lite in so many people. She survived for five or more years after she was told she only had 6 months. She really is the proof that with strong heart, and just being kind, can go a long way. I miss her so much. I’m so glad we were there when the time came. I love you very much Mom and goodbye