Jo Anne Bantz passed away peacefully at her home in rural Fairbank April 16, 2021. She was born April 28, 1933 in Independence the daughter of Emil and Inez (Reiter) Schwake. Jo Anne attended and graduated from Independence High School in 1951. In 1952 she married Dallas Bantz in Maynard Iowa. She worked many jobs through out her journey in life with the longest being for Lehmkuhl Oil in Fairbank and the Harmony House in Waterloo. Jo Anne loved to crochet and made many afghans for all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her hands were rarely still. She also shared her love with food, especially brownies with peanut butter frosting and ice cream. Jo Anne’s busy life style included bowling, dancing, card clubs, Bible Study, Fairbank American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Women’s Health Initiative Research for 8 years at the University of Iowa. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events and occasional trips to the casino. Jo Anne enjoyed traveling, some long trips and some short, Ireland, Florida, Arizona, California, Canadian Rocky Mountains just to mention a few. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons; Wendell and Wayne Bantz, a daughter Jeanie in infancy, three brothers; Paul, Carl and Robert Schwake, one sister; Betty Neeley and a special friend Frank Shaw. Jo Anne is survived by her children Dee (Kevin) of Marion, Wayde (Teresa) of Dunkerton, Wes (Lori) of Fairbank and Jalene (Ken) of Oelwein, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren with one more great-grandchild and a great-great grandchild on the way and her special friend Arnold Schellhorn.
Funeral Services: 10:30 am Friday April 23, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home.
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday April 22, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic those in attendance will be asked to wear masks and maintain proper social distance
Interment: Fairbank Cemetery
Memorials: may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, St Judes Children Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project or your favorite charity.
Condolences for Jo Anne Maxine Bantz
I am so sorry for your loss. Joanne was a incredible lady who will be greatly missed by all. She sure had a tremendous impact in my life. I will forever be grateful for having the honor of knowing her as I grew up and throughout my life. Much love to the Bantz family. Love and hugs, Michelle Schmitt-Kessenich
My sincere condolences to your family! She was a great help to my mom and dad at the station! I will remember her fondly! God’s peace be with you all!
Chris Lehmkuhl Rogers
Your mom was a very special lady. She and my dad had so much fun together! I truly think my dad lived longer, due to her companionship. I heard about all of your family on several occasions when I went home to visit my dad. She was so proud of all of you. Every time I use a scrubby that she made, I think of your mom. It brings a smile to my face. I’m so happy that she passed away peacefully at home, and you were able to be there with her. I won’t be able to make it to the visitation or funeral, but please know that I will be thinking of all of you.
Wes & Lori, our sincere condolences to you and your siblings and your family’s . HUGS