JoAnn Herzberg

JoAnn Herzberg, 79 years old, of Milan Missouri, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza, Kansas City, surrounded by her loved ones.

JoAnn was born March 10, 1941 in Bedford, IA to Claude and Marjorie (Herriott) Rankin, they preceded her in death. She married Donald Herzberg and two children were born to this marriage. Survivors include: her children, Michelle Harris Henderson and husband Scott of Overland Park, Kansas and Todd Herzberg and wife Karri of Milan, Missouri; grandchildren, Aaron Herzberg, Ethan Herzberg (Lauren McHenry), and Adam Harris; great grandchildren, Taylor, Hayden, Wyatt, Colt and Riggs; brothers, Gerry Rankin and wife Marie of Des Moines, Iowa, Gary Rankin of Bedford, Iowa, Frank Rankin and wife Carol of Ankeny, Iowa, Danny Rankin and wife Beth of Vista, California, a sister, Donna Rankin and husband Bill of Overland Park, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

JoAnn grew up in Bedford, Iowa graduating high school there. She then received her bachelor’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University. She taught school in Harlan, Iowa from 1963-1968 before coming to Milan in 1977 where she taught 2nd grade at Milan C-II until she retired in July 2000. She loved her students and made sure each one knew they were special, touching the lives of so many and remembering each student years later. Retirement didn’t stop her from coming back to Milan C-II reading to the elementary students and at Head Start. She loved being around people and children’s books which inspired her to work at the Sullivan County Public Library after retirement for many years. JoAnn loved Entomology (the study of insects) and had a “bug” collection she shared with the school. She was also a huge fan of singer song writer Bill Anderson and enjoyed traveling all over the United States with her travel partner Ralph Hatcher visiting historical sights, museums and attending numerous plays & musicals. JoAnn was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church of Milan for 43 years where she helped with communion, church dinners and attended bible study weekly. She frequently attended the Milan Baptist Church as well. She was known for her strawberry cake amongst all her family and friends and never missed a birthday. JoAnn was a member of the ADK Teachers Sorority and volunteered at many community events. You could also find her working at the County Election office during an election year.

JoAnn was known as Grandma Jo to her grandkids and great grandkids and to many others that called her Grandma Jo. She was a kid at heart and spent many hours playing with all her grandkids. They were all the highlight of her life and made so many memories.

A graveside service for JoAnn will be held at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday, January 11, 2021 at Schoene-Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Milan, Missouri.

Memorial contributions are suggested to JoAnn Herzberg Education Scholarship Fund for a graduate continuing in the field of education.