Jo Ann Stoppenhagen, age 68, of Fort Wayne, gained her wings and passed away peacefully to heaven on Friday, January 6, 2023 at home surrounded by her family. Jo Ann was born in Kendallville, Indiana on December 18, 1954, to the late Donald C. Dieterle and Nancy Ellen (Adams) Bolenbaugh. She graduated from East Noble High School in 1972 and worked at Kraft Foods in Kendallville. Later, she was employed by Cunningham Optical One Southwest, Fort Wayne until retiring. Known by some as “Go-Go Jo”, she enjoyed flowers and spending time in her lily garden. She loved shopping and being with her daughters and grandchildren who affectionally called her “Oma” and “MerMaw”. Jo Ann was the nicest person you would ever meet. She was fun loving, funny and smart.
Survivors include:
Her husband of 26 years of wonderful marriage, Lee Stoppenhagen of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Angela and Chad Bailey of Avilla.
Daughter, Aimee and Tylor Parr of Avilla.
Grandchildren: Ethan Bailey, Natalie Bailey, and Landon Bailey; Jaxson Campbell, and Greyson Parr.
Stepdaughter, Jessica and Jacques Baudoin of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Stepson, Adam and Jamie Stoppenhagen of Fort Wayne.
Step grandchildren: Bronson Baudoin and Beckham Baudoin; Hailey Faurote, Adalynn Stoppenhagen and Eliza Stoppenhagen.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Michael Dieterle.
There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Jo Ann's life on Sunday, February 19th, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Ceruti's Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.