MARSHALL - Joanne Carol Mackey, age 88, of Marshall, Wis., passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024. She was born on February 21, 1935, in Chicago, Ill., to Joseph B. and Mary A. (Clements) Ladd.

Jo graduated from Marywood School for Girls in Evanston, Ill., and later married John A. Mackey on November 21, 1953, at Queen of Angels in Chicago.

“Jack” was in the U.S. Air Force which offered her the opportunity to travel the world. She proudly lived in Japan and France before coming back to the states.

Jo was such an outgoing soul who loved to have fun and try new things. She enjoyed being involved in the Officers Wives Club (OWC), having a great time making friends, singing and being involved in a variety of skits.

After they divorced, she fearlessly took four spunky kids on many tent camping trips by herself to state parks in Wisconsin, instilling the love for nature into each of them.

She loved the water and being outdoors. In the summer she would have a picnic basket packed and ready to go after a long day at work, when she would come home, and whisk everyone off to Tenney Park for a cookout and an evening at the beach.

Jo worked in the title insurance business for decades. As an avid reader, upon retiring she found her dream job as a librarian assistant at Marshall Community Library. What started out as volunteer work soon developed into a permanent part time position that she held for over 14 years. During which time she also held the post of treasurer for the Friends of the Marshall Library.

She was happy to have planted her feet in a town that she felt a part of. As a side note, at the library she was also known as the “fudge lady” raising money for the library by selling pieces of homemade fudge for 25 cents each.

Jo enjoyed many things in life, most importantly her family. Raising her children with love, humor and a lot of patience.

She explored genealogy and dove deep into finding not only names and dates, but stringing together bits and pieces of their lives, trying to put together a better picture of those who paved the way before us.

Joanne is survived by her children, John M. Mackey, Sharon K. Liddicoat and Michelle M. (Bradley) Klock; grandchildren, Michael J. (Kena) Mackey, Jennifer L. (James) Mair, Joseph J. Mackey, Nicole M. (Antonio) Luna, Mitchell S. Liddicoat, Sarah M. (Brian) Regnart, Bradley K. Klock II, Rachel E. (Jordan) Rowland, Stacey D. (Trevor) Hammond and Justin M. (Jennifer) Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Braylen Mackey, Caleb Mackey, Dallas Mair, Elias Ramos, Yaretzi Luna, Nikolas Luna, Greyson Regnart, Eleanor Regnart, Navi Regnart, Anthem Rowland, Banks Rowland, Sierra Johnson, Landon Knight, Mackenzie Johnson and Hudson Johnson.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph B. Ladd and Mary A. Ladd; brothers, Joseph D. Ladd and James R. Ladd; and son, Eugene J. Mackey.

A memorial service will be held at HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 605 Madison St., Marshall, WI 53559 at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.

Memorials may be gifted in Joanne’s name to Marshall Community Library’s large print book section.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Joanne Mackey

February 21, 1935 - February 01, 2024

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