July 9, 1931 – October 31, 2012
JoAnn Grossman
JoAnn Loretta Grossman was born on July 9, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa. She died on October 31, 2012, after a two-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in her memory on Saturday, November 3, 1:00 p.m., at Saint Pius X Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Roba C. Norman, and her first husband, Russell Johnson. She is survived by her second husband, Gene Grossman; her daughter, Carla Johnson; and her “other daughter,” Terri George.
JoAnn retired from the United States Postal Service after over 30 years of dedicated service. She took great pride in her work ethic, speed, and accuracy. Her hobbies included breeding and showing poodles, acquiring collector dolls, track and casino gambling, and motorcycling.
JoAnn could be youthfully enthusiastic, breathtakingly generous, and scathingly observant. She was a character – ornery and incorrigible at times, but feisty and strong, seemingly impervious even to cancer. JoAnn was 90 pounds of rough steel, and the world will never be the same.
Donations may be made in JoAnn’s name to Animal Lifeline of Iowa.
Arrangements by Iles Funeral Homes ~ Westover Chapel.
Information provided by: Iles Funeral Homes Westover Chapel 6337 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50322 www.ilesfuneralhomes.com
