JoAnn "Jo" Cole

JoAnn “Jo” Cole, 81, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the Homestead Pioneer Senior Cottage in Fergus Falls, surrounded by her loving family, under the wonderful care of the cottage staff and Lakeland Hospice.

Jo was born on April 15, 1932 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Harry O. and Rose (Stende) Brevig. She grew up in Fergus Falls and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1950.

On July 16, 1955 she married W. Keith Cole in Fergus Falls. Through the years she worked at the phone company in California, Fergus Falls Clinic, and then at Mauk Jewelers where she continued to work for 22 years, retiring in 1990. Above all her jobs, the position she held in the highest regard was being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Jo’s philosophy in life was there was always someone worse off than she was. Due to her debilitating illness, her time at home was spent staying connected with family, friends and great neighbors. She enjoyed music, listening to church radio broadcasts, and when she was able Jo loved to dance. She will always be known as the “Candy Lady” because of the joy she found in handing out chocolate treats to people who helped her.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Keith, who died on May 27, 2012; sisters, Delores (Merwyn) Nelson and Dee (Paul) Gust; brother, Quint Brevig; and nephew David Gust.

Survivors include her daughters, Kristi (Kendal) Boe of Fergus Falls, and Jodi (Greg) Spoden of Brooklyn Park; three granddaughters who filled her heart with great pride, Kylie Boe, Katie and Emily Spoden; sisters-in-law, Jan Brevig of Allen TX, and Kay (Charlie) Burke of Burnsville MN; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, Lakeland Hospice, or Arthritis Foundation.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2013 at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN
Clergy: Reverend Saul Stensvaag
Burial: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.
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