Joelyn Ann Saemrow

Joelyn Ann Saemrow (“Jo”), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on February 21, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born in Sumner, Iowa, on September 11, 1932 to Rachael and Arthur Partridge and was their only child. Jo loved her father, Arthur, who worked for the “Chicago Great Western” railroad. She has fond memories of her father tossing out notes with candy to her when she was a little girl as his train traveled by. Jo is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Forest C. Saemrow, with whom she shared many cherished memories and adventures. Their union was a testament to love, loyalty, and unwavering support.

Jo spent her early years in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she graduated from Humboldt High School in 1950. She then went to Mankato State Teachers College and graduated with a BA degree in Education in 1954. She went on to teach 4th grade in Austin, Minnesota. She followed Forest and became a girl scout counselor in Colorado when he was in the army. Forest and Jo were married on June 10th, 1956. Three of her children were born in St. Paul before the family moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois, where she lived from 1963-1979. Forest and Jo had their 4th child at that time. Jo was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, where her children attended school. She was a member of LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). She thoroughly enjoyed going to all of her children’s sporting and extracurricular activities and elaborate Christmas Eve programs. She and her friends started a camping group which traveled to places in Wisconsin and Illinois for fun family campouts. The Saemrow family also went on camping vacations and saw most of the US and Canada. Both Jo and Forest would like to surprise their children. One notable surprise was a vacation to the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, and another was a Hawaiian vacation.

Jo had an independent spirit and if she wanted to learn something, she would find out how to do it. Other than teaching, she had various jobs. Her children have memories of helping her bag product samples and leaving them on door handles for a marketing job she had in the 1960’s.

She lived in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, from 1979-1984. In 1984 Forest’s 3M employment took her to Austin, Texas. She worked for the “Welcome Wagon”, when Austin was much smaller, recruiting referrals for small businesses. She and Forest traveled the world and have many memories. One of her favorite places was Ouray, Colorado; she enjoyed jeeping in the San Juan Mountains with Forest, four kids and a dog on many trips to Colorado. Jo’s hobbies included gardening, working the daily crossword puzzles, and traveling.

Jo was a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She found great solace and strength in her spiritual community and shared her kindness and compassion with everyone she met.

Jo had a strong love for her family. She will be deeply missed by her devoted children, daughter Jodell Johnson (Liberty Hill, Tx.) and husband Denny, daughter Nancy Bengtson (Austin, Tx.) and husband Kyle, son David Saemrow (St. Paul, Mn.) and wife Donna, and daughter Susan Louden (Austin, Tx.) and husband Steve. Her love and wisdom will continue to inspire them as they navigate life's journey. She is survived by eight grandchildren Ryan Johnson (and Cassandra), Kristin Johnson, Jessie Priest (and Britnie), Andrew Saemrow, Austin Louden (and Anna), Lauren Lynch (and Reggie), Christopher Bengtson and Erin Saemrow. She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren Laikynn Jo Priest, Mercury Lee Johnson and Kason Clifford Priest. She is preceded by her grandchildren, Forest Hayes Louden & Matthew Aaron Bengtson

Jo's legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She brought light and joy to all who knew her. She touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity, and a gentle spirit. She had a deep love for her family and had the unique ability to connect with them in creative ways. She also had a delightful sense of humor and could always laugh at herself. Although she may no longer be with us in body, her presence will be felt in the memories she created and the love she shared. We would like to thank Austin Hospice for their guidance and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas, in Jo's honor. A private “celebration of life” service will be planned in honor of Jo.

Rest in peace, dear Jo. Your light will continue to shine bright in our hearts forever. We will miss you, Mom and Grandma, and VERY MUCH look forward to seeing you in heaven.