Jo Ann (Joey) Leinen, age 76 of Lake City, MN, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Jo was born on September 17, 1948, in Brookings, SD to Madeline and Leo Schardin. She grew up in Lake Benton, MN, and graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1966. Jo went on to obtain her cosmetology license and became a hair stylist for several years.
On September 17, 1977, Jo Ann married the love of her life, Dale Richard Leinen. After stops in several locations, Joey and Dale settled in Lake City, MN in 1980, where they remained for the rest of their time. Joey was best known for her immense talents in numerous areas. She was incredible with a sewing machine, having designed several bridesmaid and prom dresses for her daughter, Lisa and made a wedding dress for her daughter-in-law, Wanda. Joey and Dale were known around the area for their amazing hand-painted wood working crafts they created and sold or gave to family and friends. Joey was also known to create gourmet meals that she served frequently. She was an amazing pianist. Though she never performed publicly, if you were lucky enough to drive near her house when the windows were open, you could hear beautiful music flowing forth.
Jo is survived by her daughter, Lisa (David) Brown of Austin, MN, her stepson Jason (Wanda) Leinen of Waconia, MN, grandchildren Madelyn and Mallory Brown and Hunter and Harrison Leinen, as well as her brother, David (Nancy) Schardin of Ham Lake, MN.
Jo was proceeded in death by her husband Dale, brother Michael, sister Elizabeth Kester and her parents Madeline and Leo Schardin.
Joey’s family would like to thank all of the employees at the Lake City Care Center for their incredible and compassionate attention to her in her final days.
