Jo Ann K. Schaaf

Jo Ann Kathryn Schaaf, 83, of O'Neill, died Monday, April 21, 2025 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha.

Visitation was held Friday, April 25, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a parish rosary.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Jo was born on July 10, 1941, to Leonard and Cleta (McNichols) Shoemaker in O'Neill. The oldest of five children, Jo Ann, grew up on the family farm northwest of O'Neill. Jo Ann attended Holt County District 8 until eighth grade and went on to graduate from St. Mary's Academy in 1959.

On Jan. 27, 1962, Jo Ann married Gerald (Jerry) Schaaf at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. The couple lived in Fort Knox, KY, while Jerry was in the US. Army. They then settled in Omaha where Jo Ann worked at Douglas County and Bergan Mercy Hospitals. The family moved back to O'Neill in 1968. Then moved to Emmet where they lived in the Epiphany Rectory, then back to O'Neill in 1978.

Jo Ann completed a program to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist. She was very proud of this and enjoyed working with the patients. Jo Ann worked 13 years as a respiratory therapist at St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. She worked for three years at NMC Home Care, returned to work at St. Anthony's in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department. She loved this work and her co-workers.

Jo Ann believed deeply in her Catholic faith and loved St. Patrick's and St. Mary's and the community within it. She was a member of the Altar Society and spent many years working at funeral dinners.

After retirement, Jo Ann took on many new hobbies. One of her loves was quilting. Many family members and friends have received some of her handiwork. Jo Ann became an avid sports fan and spent many nights cheering on her favorite teams. She enjoyed playing cards, casino trips and spending time with her family and friends.

Jo Ann was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She met life's challenges head on, and persevered through her faith and relationships.

Mom made every family event and holiday special. She was a great mom and we will miss her dearly.

Jo Ann is survived by five children Kathy (Rick Boyle) of Norfolk, Gerald Schaaf Jr. and Gary Schaaf, both of Omaha, Timothy (Carolyn) Schaaf of Johnson Lake and Matthew Schaaf of Denver, CO; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three siblings Jim (Dianne) Shoemaker of O'Neill, Mary Ellen (Ed) Humpal of Holmen, WI and Jerry Shoemaker of O'Neill.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Jerry Schaaf; parents Leonard and Cleta (McNichols) Shoemaker; parents-in-law Elmer and Kathryn (Barnes) Schaaf; one brother Gene Shoemaker; one sister-in- law Maureen Donlin; three brothers-in-law O.J. Armatys, Jerry Kuhn and Bernard Schaaf; one niece Margaret (Maggie) Pierce; and three nephews George and Jimmy Shoemaker and Jimmy Schaaf.