JoAnn Carolyn Larson of Indianola, IA died peacefully on October 17, 2023, one day after celebrating her 86th birthday. She was at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, surrounded by members of her family.

Born October 16, 1937 in Centerville, SD to Harry and Ella Austin, she graduated from Vermillion High School in 1955.

Jo majored in elementary education at Augustana College and taught in public schools. While teaching, she continued her education, with an emphasis in special education.

On August 8, 1958, Jo married her high school sweetheart, John Dennis Larson, and together they were blessed with three children, Jeffrey, Timothy and Heather. The family moved to Indianola, IA in 1969, after living in South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska.

While raising their children, Jo was an active volunteer and private tutor for children needing public assistance.

After moving to Indianola, Jo and John promoted community based services for adults with special needs. Always functioning as a team, they attended rehabilitation conferences, seminars, and workshops throughout the United States.

Jo served in leadership and support roles on many boards and associations, taking special pride in the Autism Society of Iowa.  The most enduring part of her life was her membership at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Jo was on the staff of Winifred Law Opportunity Center from 1977 through 1999.  She served as an instructor and as the Director of Developmental Services.  In 2002, Jo joined her husband in part-time work at the Iowa Senate in Des Moines.

Jo's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were cherished beyond measure and gave her love, support, fun and excitement!

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Jo will be buried with her husband in Dalesburg Lutheran Cemetery, a mile from the church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married, and a mile from her birth place in South Dakota.

Survivors include her children, Jeff (Jan) Larson of Austin TX, Tim (Jennifer) Larson of Des Moines, IA, Heather Larson (Sue Marshall) of Columbus, NE and Ron Nelson of Indianola, IA.  Grandchildren, Sierra Larson of Des Moines, IA, Hannah Larson of Dallas, TX, Dallas (Emma) Knoop of Jordan, MN and Rae Larson of Austin, TX.  Great- grandchildren, Wesley Knoop and Liesl Knoop of Jordan, MN.

She is preceded in death by her husband, sisters and parents.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family or Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola, IA.