JoAnn Jones-Eilbert Hesse

JoAnn (Jones/Eilbert) Hesse, 79, Lee Township, the Southside, Family & Friends, we LOST our Life Advocate as Jo passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Jo’s life was encapsulated in her membership as a Kiwanian. JoAnn Hesse was SIMPLY service, and we, blessed to be in her heart, know Jo BELIEVED and LIVED those VALUES. P*R*I*O*R*I*T*I*E*S – “A HUNDRED years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” We were ALL her children. Jo would crawl over glass to Love, Protect, Kick our Butts, or Defend us with the verbosity of a Mama GRIZZLY Bear. This warmhearted, spry woman with a dynamic smile will be deeply missed. Jo made YOU feel like YOU were the MOST important person in the room.

JoAnn began lighting up each room she was in, August 15, 1941 in Des Moines, IA, born to Pauline (Lumley) and Donald Jones. A graduate of East High School Class of 1959. Jo married Gary Eilbert and became a mom to Gary David Eilbert on July 4, 1974. Jo and Barry Hesse married in 1998.

Jo was FUN, COMPETITVE and CREATIVE...she LOVED 50’ & 60’s music (she kissed Elvis on stage in 1969), boating, water-skiing, vacations to Florida and spending time with family and friends. Jo’s life canvas included working for, Mary Kay as a sales rep, Jacobson Warehouse, and Ophthalmologist, Dr. Tom Ward. Jo’s real estate career began in 1979 and continued for 32 years ending with REMAX Real Estate Group. Along the way, she was honored by Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® as their REALTOR® of the Year in 1993 for her work within the MLS & Association where she served as a past member of the DMAAR Board of Directors as well as numerous other committees. Jo was a top producer in the Million Dollar Club from 1982-1999.

After real estate, JoAnn was helping direct care and advocating medical needs of our parents and Aunt Alice in the latter stages of their lives. She saw a need and started her company, Too Much Stuff, where she helped families declutter and organize their homes so they could move into their new home, or sort out their lives and belongings so families could move those in need to a care center or settle an estate. What an adventure that turned out to be - like real estate, it encompassed all levels of our community. Jo could make this unique topic entertaining and informative as she spoke or was interviewed by the newspaper, care centers, service clubs, radio and TV programs, especially enlightening WHO TV 13’s Andy Fales to an onsite visit which I am told Andy he will never forget. Jo served on the City of Des Moines Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments and Housing Appeal Board, she was a member and past President of Westside Kiwanis Club, a member of Kiwanis International, served as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Nebraska/Iowa Division 16 in 2003. Jo seemed to always look for causes to help, Arthritis Foundation, Coats for Kids, Food Pantry, among numerous others, but Jo’s favorite for the past 10 years was helping niece, Katlyn Sawhill grow from a little girl with special challenges and advocating for her to have many, many great childhood memories, and education leading Katlyn to become a CNA at Calvin Manor.

Jo will be deeply missed by her husband, Barry Hesse; sister, Barb Presti; niece, Katlyn Sawhill; daughter of her heart, Julie Lang; Jo’s Iowa and Texas families; and many, many friends and extended family members. Jo reunites with those who have left us, beloved son, Gary David Eilbert; her parents; sisters, Norma Buchanan and Rosie Sawhill; her in-laws and outlaws.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA on Monday, September 14 with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Avon Cemetery in Des Moines. Social distancing is encouraged, masks will be available for your safety and preference of use.

Memorials may be directed to Auntie Jo’s RAINY Day Fund for Katlyn Sawhill, c/o Critelli Law Trust Fund. Like Elvis, JoAnn has left the building. Much love from the Bear, Katlyn & Family

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