Jo Ann Wenger, 88, of Topeka, formerly of Hiawatha, died Thursday, February 1, 2018, at Midland Hospice in Topeka.

She was born August 27, 1929, near Hiawatha, one of two children born to George Buckley and LaVena “Tillie” Wolf and has lived in the northeast Kansas area nearly all of her life. She grew up in Hiawatha where she attended Hiawatha Schools, later graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1947.  Jo Ann started working for the state of Kansas, Social & Rehabilitation Services in Hiawatha in 1960, retiring in 1994 after 34 years of service.  She moved to Topeka to be near family in 2004.

Jo Ann attended the First Christian Church in Hiawatha.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and crocheting, but she REALLY enjoyed her grandchildren!

Survivors include two daughters Pamela Karns (Chuck Wurtz) of Topeka, Peggy Hudson (Ralph) of Danville, Illinois; a son Patrick Wenger (Theresa) of Concord, California; 9 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother Theodore Buckley.

Services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, February 9, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Pastor Dennis Fullbright of the First Christian Church will officiate.  Interment will follow at the Hiawatha Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hiawatha Cemetery or Alzheimer’s Association, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.