JoAnn M. Everman

JoAnn Everman, age 86, a longtime Stewartville, MN area farmer and homemaker passed away on Saturday (March 23, 2024). She died at Naples Community Hospital, Baker Center in Naples, Florida surrounded by her loving family.

JoAnn Mary Everman was born on April 2, 1937 in Oelwein, IA to James and Lisetta Farrington. She went to school in Oelwein and after graduation in 1956 she worked as a secretary for Bruner Electric and  at the Grand Theater in Oelwein where she met Al and her famous line was, “I chased him until he caught me.”  JoAnn married Allen Glen Everman on July 4, 1957 at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein, IA. They spent a lot of times together roller skating and that tradition continued on Sunday afternoons when they taught their children to skate. They lived in many states within the Midwest where Allen worked in construction as a lineman. In 1963 they purchased the family farm in Stewartville, MN. Over the years, they farmed, raised their family and created countless memories. She had many hobbies that included reading, cross stitch, ceramics, sewing, gardening, canning and baking, playing cards with friends, boating, and traveling. She fed the birds daily and was rewarded with many species of birds including her favorite, hummingbirds. Following their retirement Jo and Al spent the past 27 winters enjoying their home in Naples, FL. They enjoyed boating, the beach, fish frys, and the many social gatherings with friends and family.  Al and Jo farmed together and Jo was also employed at Bonner Elementary School in Stewartville. Al was a longtime employee at Foster Electric in Rochester,Mn. until his retirement. Mr. Everman died on  January 27, 2024.

JoAnn was a devout Catholic. She was a longtime member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Stewartville, MN and Saint Finbarr Catholic Church in Naples, Fl.  She was a Tuesday School teacher, Eucharistic Minister and member of the Bible Study.  She was passionate about praying the Rosary every day and reading her daily devotional with her husband, Al.   Jo was a very social soul and enjoyed being involved in her community. She was part of the Friends of the Library, Meals on Wheels, Stewartville Lioness Chapter,  a volunteer at the nursing home, Red Hat Ladies, and her recent morning swimming group, “ The Medicare Mermaids” in Naples. Her friends always knew they would be welcomed with a comforting beverage and one of her delicious home baked goods.

JoAnn loved spending time with her family. To say she was adored, would be an understatement! Many of the grandchildren wrote articles of their admiration for both their grandma and grandpa. She and Allen, alike, were inspirational to many for their faith and compassion that brought light into peoples’ lives during times of darkness. The openness of their experience with grief had the therapeutic power to heal and inspire individuals to look to their faith, friends, and family for comfort.

JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Kristine (John) Sawka of Naples, FL and her son, Scott (Brenda) Everman of Lakeville, MN. Also ten grandchildren: Jodi (Ken) Reverts, Kelly Mason, Nicole (Justin) Amy, Danielle (Brian) Wasser, Brittany Johnson, Jacob (Brittany) Johnson, Zoe (James) Stoeckle, Adam (Lilly) Everman, Collin Everman, and Justin Everman. Twelve great-grandchildren: Macrina Reverts, Paityn and Harper Amy, Ava, Paige, and Halle Wasser, Eliza Johnson-Verano, Madelyn and Maxon Johnson, Audrey and Louise Stoeckle, and Chloe Everman. She is also survived by her siblings: Mike (Elaine) Farrington, Veronica (Tom) Roth, Virginia (Harv) Curry, Dennis (Paula) Farrington and in-laws including Dale Everman and Ron Peyton, and many nieces and nephews. JoAnn is proceeded in death by her parents, James and Lisetta, her in-laws Tom and Edna Everman, her recently departed husband, Allen Everman, and three children: Kim Everman-Mason, Allen Glen Everman Jr., Kelly Rae Everman, her nephew Rick Curry, and niece Susan Everman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday (April 6, 2024) at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Stewartville with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from  4 to 7:00 PM on Friday (April 5,  2024) at St. Bernards Catholic Church and 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of JoAnn are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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