Jo Anne Wheeless' Obituary
JoAnne Toppel Wheeless, age 82, formerly of Austin, Texas passed away Saturday evening, January 2, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma with family by her side.
She was born on September 15, 1938, a daughter of the late Alex and Louise Toppel. JoAnne was born and raised in Giddings, Texas. She graduated from Giddings High School in 1956 where she was active in the choir and the band. Upon graduation, she moved to Austin and attended Nixon Clay Business College.
JoAnne was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a grandmother. She could always be spotted at all the family celebrations clutching the newest great- grandchild. She had a loving personality and always made people around her laugh.
JoAnne spent many of her adult years working at LCRA and retired in 1996. She began in a clerical position in accounting and worked in many positions ending as a well-respected manager in payroll. It was here that she gained many lifelong friendships.
She was a long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. She was active in the life of the church and loved singing in the choir and participating in the many projects benefiting their missions.
Besides her devotion to her family, JoAnne enjoyed playing Bridge, Rummikub, cards, painting ceramics and fishing; especially in her favorite place, Port Aransas, TX. She had a love for all animals, particularly her Boston Terriers, Gus and Sally.
JoAnne is survived by two daughters, Renee and husband Mike McDonald and Shelly and husband Ben Guentzel. She is also survived by grandchildren Missy and Travis Lawson, Ryan and Amy Daniels, Cody and Natalie Daniels, Calder Guentzel, Seth Guentzel, Kailee Guentzel, Lauren and Nick Labadie and Drew and Brittany McDonald. Great-Grandchildren Liam, Harper, Cale, Hadley, Caroline, Landry, Felix, Lex, Rowan, Remy, Madilynn, and Reed. Sister Marcia Bloh, brother Marshall and Ann Toppel, plus many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, William Bloh.
The family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful staff at Green Tree Assisted Living who provided invaluable care to JoAnne over the last three years.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled later in 2021.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Bethany Lutheran Church, Choir Ministry at 3701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749 or to the South Texas Boston Terrier Rescue at 2043 Pin Oak Circle, Van Vleck, TX 77482/ PayPal at [email protected].
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