Jo Ann Hildebrand

Jo Ann Hildebrand, the daughter of Virgil Ray and Florence Elaine (Smith) Hildebrand, was born on April 26, 1951 in Council Bluffs, IA and died May 22, 2011 at her home near Oakland, IA at the age of 60 years, 1 month, and 6 days.

Jo Ann attended school at Oakland and went on to receive her associate's degree from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. She worked as an LPN at Indian Hill Nursing Home in Council Bluffs and Avoca Nursing and Rehab in Avoca, before becoming employed at Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland. She worked at Oakland Manor Nursing Home for over 15 years before failing health caused her to retire last November.

Jo Ann was an active member of the Democratic Party. She enjoyed going to auctions, refinishing antique furniture, cooking, spending time with her animals, and canoeing down the Nishna Botna River. She loved planning parties and family gatherings, especially for the 4th of July.

Jo Ann is survived by her parents Virgil and Elaine Hildebrand of Hancock; her brother Bill Hildebrand and wife Denise of Atlantic; her sisters Jan Lockhart and husband Dwayne of Dysert and Joyce Beedle and Husband Gary of Avoca; her special friend Steven L. Swope of Oakland; her children Tina Muecke and husband Scott of Hancock and Aaron Petersen and wife Nicole of Lakeland, GA; her step children: Steve Swope and wife Shelley of Oakland, Shane Swope and wife Darcy of Gretna, NE and Sheila Ford of Council Bluffs; her grandchildren: Zach, Corey, Christopher, Bradley, Tyler, Riley, Kelcy, and Sydney; and her great grandchildren Teagan and Carter Petersen. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 6-8 PM at the Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland. There will be no other services. Interment will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery at a later Date. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.