Jo Ellen Carder

Jo Ellen Carder, 95, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA. She resided at her daughter’s home in Pleasant Hill. IA. She was born in Keswick, Iowa on April 11, 1929 to Arnold and Gertrude Wagner. Jo Ellen graduated from Keswick High School, earned her teaching certificate from Ottumwa Heights College, and ultimately earned her teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Jo Ellen married the love of her life, Lee Carder and taught school in Nashua, Iowa, while living in Charles City, Iowa for over 30 years.

Jo Ellen was well known for her smile, subtle wry wit, unfailing good humor and an occasional slip of a salty word. The world was a better place with Jo Ellen, who had a knack for turning any situation into a cherished memory and bringing smiles to our faces every day of her life. In short, she made friends easily and was truly adored among family and friends.

Those left to share her memories are her three children, Kaye (Carder) Brom and Steve Brom of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Cindy (Carder) Winchester of Memphis, Tenn. and Bob Carder of Hiawatha, Iowa; four grand children, Jennifer Denham, Jessica (Brom) Beaulieu and KC, Matt Brom and Erika (Brom) Burrows and Eric; as well as ten great grand children, Megan (Beaulieu) Vaske and Zach, Jaiden and Gage Beaulieu, Hannah and Colin Burrows, Tave and Vann Slangerup and Ava, Audrey and Maci Brom. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lee and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 at Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 2566 Scotch Ridge Rd., Carlisle, IA 50047. A luncheon will follow.