Mary Jo Lonsdale

Mary Joyce Lonsdale, 83, passed away April 22, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Jo was born March 31, 1941 in Dubuque, Iowa to Charles and Genevieve O’Connell Christenson. She graduated from Stuart High school where she enjoyed great friends and being a part of the drum majorette and cheerleading squads.

Mary Jo was united in marriage to Jerry Lonsdale on November 19, 1960 at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart, IA and took off on the adventure of being a Naval wife. The union was blessed by the birth of Christina, Brenda and Angela.

Mary Jo had a variety of jobs throughout her life but her most rewarding job was being that of a caregiver to her parents, her husband after he suffered a life-changing stroke, and all her grandkids. After the death of her husband, she continued her caregiving at Des Moines Christian Schools and then the West Des Moines School System as an Associate caring for special needs children.

Mary Jo loved attending church, gardening, watching her flowers grow, NCIS, and following the Iowa Hawkeyes along with her family. All her life she enjoyed camping whether it was at the Raber farm or spending summers at Saylorville Lake campgrounds after Jerry’s illness. After Jerry’s passing, Mary Jo filled her life with the love of her dog, Ginger, who was her constant companion.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Chris Hafenbrack of Des Moines, Brenda (Steve) Rummel of Grimes and Angie (Joel) Van Weelden of Altoona; grandchildren, Tera, Michelle, Courtney, Charlie, Claire and Sam; great- grandchildren, Maqency, Madison, Morgan, Noah, Reyes, Finn and Avery; brother-in-law, Jim Lonsdale; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Genevieve Christenson, her husband, Jerry Lonsdale, father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Charles and Elizabeth Lonsdale, sister-in-law, Mary K Lonsdale, and her Shih Tzu, Ginger.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Stuart, IA. If guests are unable to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the livestream at the end of the obituary below and accessible on the day of the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated to organizations that are dedicated to support individuals who are suffering from Alzheimers or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Special thanks to Edencrest Memory Care for their service.

Condolences of sympathy of the family may be expressed at www.HamiltonsfuneralHome.com.

Print