Jo Irons

Jo Lorraine (nee Brand) Irons, 82, died April 23rd 2016 at Serenity House Hospice, in Phoenix, Arizona with her family at her side. Prior to death, she had spent 11 days in Abrazo West Hospital I.C.U. Her death was a direct result of an auto accident involving an intoxicated individual near her winter home in Sun City, Arizona on April 11th 2016. Jo was born in Harris, Iowa on the 12th of February 1934 to Laura Louise Potthoff and Dr. Oren Wesley Brand. Born at home during a snowstorm, her sisters became disappointed upon the news of the birth because they were expecting a ‘puppy’. After graduating from Algona High School in Iowa, Jo matriculated to Hamline University whereupon, she promptly started her forty year profession as an educator of elementary aged children. This dedication continued in years of volunteer work in school systems located in Plainview and Rochester, Minnesota and Sun City, Arizona. Jo raised her two children Shawn and Mike in the states of Florida, Iowa, and then onto Worthington, Rochester and Wabasha, Minnesota. Undoubtedly the time of her life was spent on Teepeopta Point at the cabin. She was a zealous reader, chef, traveler, and bridge player. However, what enriched Jo’s life most was the adventurous times spent with her only grandchild Bettina. Their bond was inseparable. Jo’s presence at Bettina’s upcoming Hamline University graduation will be sorely missed. The Hamline Family Legacy started with Dr. Carl John Potthoff and followed with all immediate family members attending. Jo is survived by her daughter Shawn Brand (Mark Schneider) of Plainview, Minnesota; and one son, George Michael Irons (Mike) of Lake City, Minnesota; one granddaughter Bettina Schneider of St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition, Ms. Irons is survived by a sister Mary Brand of Kalamazoo, Michigan and a sister, Patricia Walter Green of Lincoln, Nebraska. Nieces and Nephews include: Kay, Sandy and Bruce; Steve, Elise and Matt. Great nieces include Anna Walter and Madison Brumbaugh. She was married and divorced from George Robert Irons, Jr. of St. Paul, Minnesota and Philip Stanley Meyer of Rochester, Minnesota both of whom predeceased her. Jo enjoyed a fun group of ladies in Sun City, Arizona who were thrilled to earn a fifty cent pot after playing bridge all day. She enjoyed entertaining and spending time with many friends in Rochester, Minnesota. She will be remembered as being a fabulous hostess by many. Not only did she support the Arts and Higher Education in several states, she dedicated much of her life to helping others. It was Jo’s desire to have her cremated ashes strewn in front of the cabin on Teepeota Point by immediate family. Special Thank You goes to Abrazo West Hospital ICU Physicians, Nurses, and staff. Outstanding compassionate care was rendered by many in those 11 days, but especially from nurse Comfort and Palliative Physician Dr. Pettit. We hold in highest esteem the staff at Serenity House Hospice for their humanity towards Jo in her final moments. The family deeply appreciates the efforts made by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Det. Magglio. Thank You to the many people who offered endless support. Memorials may be donated to: Open Medicine Foundation 29302 Laro Drive. Agoura Hills, CA 91301; Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902, 507-289-4019; Planned Parenthood of Rochester; or Micro Lending directly benefiting women in need. Thoughts may be addressed to Jo’s family at 58286 Co Road 4 Plainview, MN 55964, (507)534-2856.