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In memory of

Joann "Jo" Frances Odem

Mequon, WI

July 31, 1936 - April 29, 2018

Jul 31, 1936 - Apr 29, 2018

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Joann “Jo” Frances Hunt Odem, age 81, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2018, in her room, surrounded by family, at the Highlands in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Jo was born on July 31, 1936, in a farm house in Boone County to Homer ‘Wayne’ Hunt and Mildred ‘Tillie’ Lansing Hunt. She was raised on a farm near Rippey where she attended and graduated high school in 1954. She later graduated from Iowa State University in 1958 and became a lifelong supporter of the “Cyclones.

On June 14, 1958, Jo married Roy Odem and they later became the parents of two children, Jeffrey and Andrew. They lived in Postville, Iowa for many years. Jo later moved to the Cedar Rapids area and would spend her winters in Pensacola.

For fun, Jo liked playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and visiting casinos with her friends. She also loved her bourbon!

Of all things, Jo loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her handmade, super-detailed, Halloween costumes, the handpicked ornaments based on the recipient’s personality, and providing food to feed an army at holiday gatherings.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Mildred Hunt, and her sister, Lila Faye Hunt Brelsford.

She is survived by her son, Jeff Odem and his wife Sherri of Plover, Wisconsin, and Andrew Odem and his wife Mary Lee of Mequon, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Jenna Odem of Alpena, Michigan, Colton Odem of Rockford Michigan, and Amanda Odem and Katelyn Odem of Mequon Wisconsin. She will be missed by all.

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