With profound sadness we announce the passing of JoAnn Kannegiesser, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to all the lives she touched with her living ways. She passed away January 5, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 81.
JoAnn was born in Hartley Iowa to Ed and Wilma Van-Zee. She had three children, Cindy Kloos (Jim), Tammy Cozad, and Tom (Camie). She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Vern, siblings, Donald (Carmen), Arlie (Sharon), Rick, and Gary (Marie). She is survived by siblings Brad VanZee, Kathy Armstrong and Sheryl VerSteeg; grandchildren and great grandchildren; Michael and Christina Kloos – Sydney and Lily, Corey and Jill Kloos – Charlotte and Erik, Aaron and Crystal Kloos – Morgun, Easton and Jackson, Ashley and Jon Riches – Aryton and Emerson, Dylan Cozad, Harlie and Jon Metag, Clayton and Kaitlin Cozad, Kelsy Kanneg-iesser, and Grant Kannegiesser.
The above details are the facts of JoAnn’s life, but not the life she cherished and loved. Did you know she loved coffee and told us all to never brush your teeth before you drank your first cup if you wanted it to taste good? She was an accomplished baker who made us incredible birthday and holiday cakes. You know the kind I think they were called Party Cut Up Cakes… Easter bunny, butterflies, trains. She made it her own by the frosting and decorations she chose… coconut, string licorice, gum drops. Our birthdays and holidays were always special. She is known as the chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookie and popcorn ball grandma as she made all the birthday cakes with her famous buttermilk chocolate cake (we are sharing this recipe) for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Another of her gifts was sewing and working with fabrics. She sewed many of the costumes for our plays in school and church. She designed the patterns and sewed the beautiful pink bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. She also made her bridesmaid dress for her sister Sheryl’s wedding and created the veil by covering an oatmeal box cutout with matching fabric. She made many cross stitched dish towels and crocheted blankets for family and friends.
These are only a few notes of my mom’s many talents.
