Memorial
Joan (Jo) Pickerill, of Amana, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 4, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. Born February 3, 1937, in Newhall, Iowa to Merle and Evelyn (Kunstorf) Gardemann, Jo was a lifelong resident of Iowa and dedicated member of her community.
A graduate of Newhall High School, Jo was first married to R. Bruce Towe, with whom she had two children. In 1977, she married Vernon 'Buck' Pickerill in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sharing a loving partnership until his passing.
Jo's professional life included a career in the trust department at Peoples Bank, while simultaneously managing her farm operation. She was an accomplished quilter and gardener, loved card games and sipping on a Pepsi. For over three decades, she was a familiar presence in the Amana community, where she resided and was actively involved in local activities.
Her personal interests in life were wide and varied though she particularly loved working with her hands. Some of her favorite activities included bowling, interior decorating, sewing, bird watching, gardening, and dancing. Jo was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and maintained an active lifestyle, taking daily walks through Amana's historic streets until her later years. A proud grandmother, she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter Leigh who filled her with immense joy.
In her later years, even as Alzheimer's clouded her memories, it didn’t dim her warm spirit or her ability to bring joy to others.
She is survived by her daughter Allison of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and son JD of Bettendorf, Iowa. Jo was preceded in death by her husband Vernon 'Buck' Pickerill, her parents Merle and Evelyn Gardemann, brother Douglas and granddaughter Leigh.
A private graveside service will be held at Jo’s request at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Strawberry Point Lutheran Home and St. Croix Hospice, whose loving care helped Jo maintain her dignity and spirit through her final days.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the University of Iowa Children's Hospitals.