Memorial
Our beloved Mary Jo Votrobeck, 75, of Cedar Rapids, went home to the Lord on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28th, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 A.M.
Mary Jo was born on December 23rd, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Matthew and Mary (Hein) Hanlon, the fourth of five children. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Regis High School and later earned her Medical Assistant Certificate. She dedicated many years of service to caring for others, working for Dr. Benz and Dr. Emery before continuing her career at PCI Surgical Center.
Mary Jo was united in marriage to Robert G. Votrobeck on December 27th, 1974, in Galena, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who always put the needs of her family before her own. Together, they raised three children: Cara Jo Gilds, Jason Hedgecoth, and Adam (Rebecca) Votrobeck, all of Cedar Rapids.
Mary Jo found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She loved playing Yahtzee, reading, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. One of her favorite places was the family cottage in Dubuque, where she spent countless hours enjoying the beauty of the Mississippi River. Having grown up running barefoot around Sawondasee, her love for the cottage and fishing remained a cherished part of her life.
Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Mary Hanlon; her husband, Robert; her children; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Matthew (Lisa) Hanlon of Anamosa; her sisters, Janice (Steve) Hahn of Epworth and Pattie Hanlon (Mike) of Cedar Rapids; her brothers-in-law, Richard (Barb) Votrobeck of Portland, Oregon, and Ronald (Maxine) Votrobeck of Elberon, Iowa; her sisters-in-law, Brenda (Terry) Kerr of Marion, Iowa, and Bonnie (Jim) Biddle of Orion, Illinois; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Hanlon; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Lorayne Votrobeck; her sister, Ida May Barker; her nephew, Andy Eganhouse; her great-grandson, Kaius Garcia; and Norm Hedgecoth, the father of her two eldest children.
The world feels a little less bright without Mary Jo in it. Her love, wisdom, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family were gifts that shaped the lives of all who knew her. While we grieve her absence, we are grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every memory she gave us. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and caring spirit. She leaves an irreplaceable place in our hearts, and we will miss her deeply, cherish her forever, and carry her memory with us always.
"You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side."
-Ron Tranmer