Jo Ann Ekleberry

MADISON - Jo Ann (Groves) Ekleberry, 91, passed away peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. She was born on Sept. 6, 1929, in Viroqua, Wis. Jo Ann is survived by her son, Jay (Irene) Ekleberry, Madison; grandson, Blair Ekleberry, Paris, France; and brother, Lyle Groves, Shawnee, Okla. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Ekleberry; sisters, Alicia Nealy and Glee Groves; and brother, Paul Groves. Jo Ann found family in all parts of life and wherever she was. Jo Ann and Lyle left their farm and moved to Madison in 1963. She stayed connected with extended family, especially nourished by updates of her numerous nieces and nephews. She found family in her career as a histologist at the UW-Madison Neurophysiology Department, where she worked for 37 years. Jo Ann also created family in her near-Eastside Madison neighborhood where she made a point to actively engage with everyone nearby. She created “family she chose,” by staying closely connected to neighbors, as they moved away. Jo always wanted to be in the know about family activities, children’s growth, and other news. She was most delighted when holding a baby. Some special members of this extended and chosen family would continue to celebrate holidays over special meals in her home. If you are reading this you are probably remembering sitting in her living room, backyard, or on the telephone, engaged in long family-related conversations. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2438 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be directed to the Goodman Neighborhood Center, a strong supporter of families and community in her neighborhood. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420