Jo Ann Wieferich, age 90, of Higgins Lake, died on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Grayling, in the presence and comfort of her family.
Jo Ann was born March 11, 1932, in Haslett, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Leto (Crafton) O’Brien. Jo Ann married Vernon on April 11, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan. Jo Ann was a sharp dressed lady. She was known for not even going to the mailbox without make-up on. Her family remembers that she loved to shop and enjoyed gifting everyone. She would rather give gifts than to receive them. Jo Ann was very crafty. She loved ceramics, crocheting, painting, and sewing. She hand-stitched christening gowns for each of her children’s families. Jo Ann also enjoyed dancing…of course, the Polka being her favorite. Jo Ann will always be remembered for these phrases: “Treat each other as you would like to be treated,” “Keep Peace in the Family,” “It is very satisfying to the soul when you have little to do in life…try volunteering. It is great for all concerned.” The family will never forget, Dad worked afternoons, and Mom raised the family. Jo Ann was once asked, what she would want future generations of her family to remember her by. Her response was, “As someone who was kind and generous, who cares for her family more than anything else in the world; Always there when needed; Full of love.” Mom, job well done!
Jo Ann will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her children: Sandy (Dave) Blair, Carla (Bob) Beatty, Mark (Lynda) Wieferich, Bryan (Melody) Wieferich, Jill (Jimmy) Prock, and Nancy (Bill Hunt) Wieferich; grandchildren: Kristin, Nathan, Bobby, Sabrina, Casey, Andrew, Nicholas, Daniel, James, Jessica, Samuel, Thomas, Austin, and Anthony; many, many great-grandchildren; and special neighbors, Dan and Marilyn Heard; sisters: Terry (Bill) Jarvis and Vickie Kieselbach; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon; grandson Matthew; great-granddaughter Harley; daughter-in-law, Betsy; siblings: Chuck Jr., Patsy, Bonnie, Mary, Jim, and Linda.
Family and friends will gather from 4:00-8:00 PM, with Rosary at 7:30 PM, on Monday, June 13, 2022, at Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, 143 Lake Street, Roscommon, Michigan 48653. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, with an hour of visitation prior to the Mass, on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at St. Hubert Catholic Church, 7612 West Higgins Lake Drive, Roscommon, Michigan 48653.
A Graveside Service will be held in Lansing, Michigan, at a later date.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Jo Ann’s name to: Impression 5 Science Center, First Impression Room, in Memory of Harley; or to: St. Vincent DePaul of Roscommon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
