JoAnn Jennings

JoAnn Jennings, 87, of Gays Mills, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse after a long battle with osteoporosis.

JoAnn was born on February 15, 1939, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to Garold and Thelma Ames. She attended Elk Run Elementary and Viola High School. In 1955, she married Arlyn Leatherberry, with whom she shared three beautiful daughters; they later divorced. In 1999, she married Paul Jennings, and they shared many wonderful years together.

A dedicated worker, JoAnn spent years at Barber-Colman in Rockford, Illinois, before returning home to Wisconsin to work at NCR in Viroqua. However, her true calling was as a caregiver. She spent many years selflessly tending to others, including a long period of devoted care for her husband, Paul.

JoAnn was a woman of strong faith and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for many years. Her passions were her love for the Lord, her three girls, and her grandchildren. She found great joy in the simple beauties of life: tending to her garden, planting flowers, and spending time in her home, in which she took great pride. She was a true "social butterfly" known for her radiant smile, kindness, and ability to love everyone she met. Together with Paul, she also fulfilled a love for adventure, traveling the world to destinations including Alaska, California, Florida, Jerusalem, and Canada.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters, Judy (Wayne) Baum and Bunny Wendt; her 6 grandchildren, Heidi, Jeremy, Monica, Brandon, Lindsy, and Talon; and her 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Jennings; her daughter, Dianne Jennings; her parents, Garold and Thelma Ames; and her brothers, Garold Ames Jr. and Dick Ames.

JoAnn’s legacy of faith and love will be missed dearly by all who knew her. As her family says, "Love you to the moon and back."

The family expresses special thanks to JoAnn’s wonderful neighbor, Ethan Eitsert, and all the others who also helped their mom over these last few years.

A Funeral Service for JoAnn will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, 710 E. Decker St, Viroqua, with Pastor Noah Ketchum officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. A luncheon will follow. JoAnn will be laid to rest in the Viola cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home and Crematory in Viroqua is serving JoAnn’s family.

123 W Decker St

Viroqua, WI 54665

608.637.2100