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Morningstar, Wilma Joan
Wilma Joan Morningstar, 76, of rural Lisbon, formerly of Pulaski, Iowa, died Sept. 28, 2012, in a car-train accident.
Jo was born in rural Arbela, Mo., on July 24, 1936, to Marion Andrew Erickson and Wilma Gertrude (Hicks) Erickson. She and her sisters, Helen Joyce, Sharon and Nancy, spent most of their growing up years in Pulaski, Iowa. Joan graduated from Pulaski High School. She earned her teaching degree from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. On July 20, 1958, she married Keith Morningstar. She taught elementary school in Tipton for two years. Joan was part of the Lisbon Community School District for over 50 years, taking time out to raise three children and assist her husband with farming.
She enjoyed, teaching, serving and providing for others through the Lisbon United Methodist Church, judging county 4-H shows in numerous counties in Eastern Iowa, and serving in various roles at the Southeast Linn Community Center in Lisbon.
She was known for her energy, selfless service, homemade noodles, rolls and all things pork. Joan dearly loved her children and grandchildren, showing it by attending so many of their activities. Her greatest joy was bringing the family together around her table for one of her amazing meals. Jo was the ultimate example of living life, teaching us what family and community is all about.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Helen Joyce.
She is survived by her husband, Keith; her children, Doug (Mary) Morningstar, Scott (Jacque) Morningstar of Lisbon, and Amy (Dale) Winslette of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; 12 grand children; one great-grandson; her sisters, Sharon (Douglas) Leslie of Charlottesville, Va., and Nancy (Charlie) Bethards of Colleyville, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Lisbon United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Tom Mattson. Jo's visitation will be Monday from 4 until 7 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Choices in Mount Vernon. Jo will be buried in Lisbon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Lisbon United Methodist Church, 200 East Market St., the Lisbon School Foundation, 235 West School St., and the Southeast Linn Community Center, 108 South Washington St., all in Lisbon52253.
Online condolences, www.morganfuneralchoices.com
Published Oct. 1, 2012 in The Gazette
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