Dorothy Joanne "Jo" Brownell
January 05, 2015
Dorothy Joanne “Jo” Brownell, 85, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Jo was born May 30, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy Lundquist Ersland. She was a member of Captiol Hill Lutheran Church and loved playing bridge. She and her husband, Rollie enjoyed traveling in their motor home and were members of the community at Cutty’s. Jo was primarily a homemaker, but was proud of having served as a clerk for Representative R.A. McCracken of New Hampton as a younger person. She was a loyal Iowa State basketball fan and considered Fred Hoiberg part of the family.
Jo is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rollie; children, Vicki Campbell and Richard Brownell (Linda Stepp); grandchildren, Shanna Campbell, Nissa (Doug) Rink and Jason Brownell; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Kenna; sister, Mart (Pete) Onstad; nephew and niece, Greg and Alyson; and a host of other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandchildren, Ryan and Courtney.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines with a visitation for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Diana Savage-North Senior Center
01/12/2015
I have been gone with the Flu and was so shocked to return to work and find out about Jo's passing. Our prayers go out to the family at this time.
Cathi Pace (Harris)
01/10/2015
I was a student under Mr. Brownell at Maxwell Community School from 1955 to 1959. So sorry for your loss.
Ruth (lehman) Anderson
01/09/2015
I remember"Jo" as my little cousin.
We give Thanks for her life.May God be with you.
.
Connie Gardner
01/09/2015
Vicki and family - You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincere sympathy, Bruce & Connie (Nervig) Gardner
Richard Gerdeman
01/08/2015
It is with deep regret and sorrow that I learn of the passing of my cousin and friend Jo. On visits to Des Moines in past years I always enjoyed visits with Jo and Rollie. I hold many fond memories. (Richard Gerdeman - Colorado Springs)
Janet Holt Trentmann
01/08/2015
Vicki and family, so sorry to hear of your mother's death. Reading the obituary in today's paper brought back a lot of memories! When my husband asked who you were I said "I remember playing with Vicki at her grandparents' the day Lee Harvey Oswald was shot". And I've often wondered about you and your family. Sorry I can't be there Saturday, but I'll be thinking of you. Janet
Diann Van Nordstrand Weinman
01/08/2015
Dear Rollie and family how sorry I was to hear of Joanne's passing. Her Grandfather married my Grandmother Lusie and I remember my Mother Astrid saying what a nice family we inherited. I have fond memories of Jo and her sister and their parents. My thoughts are with you. Diann
Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson
01/08/2015
To Rollie and family my Sympathy and Prayers are with you all at this sad time. Roberta (Bobbie)Nelson