Obituary of JoAnn Joyce Cox

JoAnn “Jo” Joyce Cox

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother

 

JoAnn Cox, 85, died Monday, January 1st at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN with her family by her side.  JoAnn was born May 30, 1938 in a sod house near Halliday, ND to Emil and Lydia Weisenberger. She was the oldest of 11 children and graduated from Stanley High School in 1957.

 

Jo earned her RN Degree from Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, ND, and then moved to Chicago to further her education at the University of Illinois Medical Research Hospital. In Chicago she met her future husband, Dr. Milton J. Cox. 

 

Jo joined her husband on an accompanied tour with the United States Air Force in Okinawa, Japan between 1967 and 1970. Upon their return to the United States, they settled in Duluth to raise their family.  Jo and Milt were blessed with two children: John and Beth.  JoAnn continued her career at St. Luke’s Hospital until retiring in 2010.  She was known for her strong work ethic and endless wit.

 

She was an avid reader and knitter and an active member of Kenwood Lutheran Church. She served on multiple committees including the quilting club.  Jo also enjoyed working local election ballot stations and volunteering at the Benedictine Health Center front desk for 28 years where she served on the Scholarship, Correspondence, and Membership Committees.  However, her favorite thing to do was to spend time with her grandkids, great-grandkids, and grand-puppy Bella.

 

JoAnn is survived by husband, Milt, and their children John (Erin) Cox and Beth (Dan) O’Brien; grandchildren Tom (Jasmine) Cox, Drake (Jenna) Cox, Emily (Parker) Hawk, and Derek (Alyssa) O’Brien; great-grandchildren Boden, Josie, and Camden; siblings Donna (John) Post, McGregor, ND, Gladys Clevenger, Arlington, TX, Janice (Clarence) Kvamme, Palermo, ND, Gary (Cheryl) Weisenberger, Stanley, ND, Beverly Neset, Stanley, ND, Robert (Brenda) Weisenberger, Fargo, ND, Linda (Richard) Halvorson, Fargo, ND, Mike (Jill) Weisenberger, Fargo, ND.

 

She was preceded in death by her brothers Harry and Dale.

 

JoAnn especially will be remembered for sneaking the dogs table scraps under the table and endless babysitting of her grandchildren.

 

Per JoAnn’s wishes, there will be a small celebration of life with immediate family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kenwood Lutheran Church, Duluth, MN. (www.kenwoodlutheran.org)