ROCHELLE — We give thanks for a life well lived and the peaceful passing of a beautiful woman. Joanna “Jo” Henze, 88, passed from this life to the next on Tuesday, Jan. 31. She was tenderly cared for by her loyal and loving husband, John Henze, for 67 years of marriage.

Jo was a wonderful wife, mother, friend and servant of our Lord, who spent her life giving to others, especially with her gifts of faith, hope, love and joy. She often said, “The gift is in the gathering,” and few things made her happier than to have a pile of shoes at the door because it meant a celebration was at hand. Her most joyful times were gathering as one big Henze clan to celebrate birthdays, holidays, blueberry fests and sitting near the bandshell to listen to 4^th of July songs, while watching fireworks light up the sky.  

She was a steady presence in church choirs at St. John the Evangelist (Streamwood, Illinois), St. Patrick’s (Rochelle) and St. Mary’s (Oregon). Her love of music brought joy to many late in life as she sang alongside John playing on the clarinet for seniors in nursing facilities. 

Joanna was an only child. but left behind a legacy of life including her husband John, six children: the late Debbie (Ron) Wisser, Cathy (Jeff) Warren, Linda (Fred) Sadaghyani, Mark (Rebecca) Henze, Diane (Jon) Lineback and David (Laura) Henze. Joanna was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Robert Ruf, nephews: Greg and Steve, and niece, Jennifer.

The visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday Feb. 5 at the Unger-Homer Funeral Home, 400 N. 6^th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle. Fr. Jason Hyunh celebrating the Mass. Memorials may be made in Jo’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.