Jo-Ann Woeste, of River Falls, Wis., a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.
Jo-Ann was born on Feb. 10, 1948 on the Big Island of Hawaii. Most of her childhood was spent on the island of Oahu where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. After high school she became a Northwest Airlines flight attendant leading her to the Twin Cities where she met her husband David. Subsequently they learned that David arrived by car from North Dakota on the same dark stormy night that she flew in from Honolulu. The two moved to River Falls in 1975 where she earned both an undergraduate and graduate degree while raising their family.
Jo-Ann was a selfless, patient and generous mother and friend who was accepting of all. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, her ski and bridge groups, gift-giving, volunteering and providing an abundance of unusual snacks to her visitors.
Jo-Ann is preceded in death by parents Herman and Ellen (Yoshimura) Harrell. She is survived by her husband David Woeste; children Jessica Woeste, Peter (Sara) Woeste; brother Harvey Harrell; grandchildren Maci Wruck, Brodie Wruck, Griffin Woeste and Hazel Woeste; and many relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St., River Falls, WI) and from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at St. Bridget’s Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at St. Bridget’s Church (211 E. Division St., River Falls, WI) and streamed live through the link just below this obituary. Interment will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in River Falls, WI. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
