Jo Ellen Roeske, 70, of Boone Grove passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 8, 2022. She was born August 26, 1952 in Lincoln, IL to Carl & Jo Ann (Sharpf) Somers. Jo received degrees from Lincoln Christian College and Illinois State University and taught 5th and 6th grades at Boone Grove Elementary School for 38 years. Her passion for her students never waned despite challenges from some administrations. As a member of Hebron Christian Church she found her second family that welcomed her as a PK. Vacations, especially to Florida with family were always relished. Other family gatherings would find Jo playing games poorly and laughing vigorously, but nothing could match the agape love spawned by her granddaughters.
On August 9, 1980 she married Ralph M. Roeske who survives along with their daughter, Christie (Scott) Campbell of Boone Grove, siblings; Carla (Terry) Wenger, Tim (Ellen) Somers both of Boone Grove, and C. D. (Vicci) Somers of Arizona, granddaughters, Sadie & Emma Campbell, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 – 7 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 am Wednesday at the funeral home, Rev. Chris Shrum officiating with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hebron Christian Church.
GUESTBOOK
I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Jo Ellen. When CD married my best friend Vicci, I got to know him. Especially when they moved to Arizona. If Jo Ellen is anything like CD, she is a wonderful woman.
Jo Ellen's family are in my prayers and thoughts. -Marianne Schmidt
We were saddened to hear of Jo's passing. Our thoughts are with the family through this rough time. -Mark and Rachel Stanley
When I think of Jo it’s always her smile, her laugh, and her sense of humor that I remember first. I absolutely loved teaching with her! I couldn’t think of a better teaching colleague, friend, or partner in crime than Jo! She touched so many lives including mine. I will never forget her. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be so missed. -Laurie Gustke
Jo was an awesome lady. We went to school together. She always had a smile on her face. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad I got to see her the last time I was in Valpo. May she rest in peace! She will be missed in our little circle of Girlfriends. -Sue (Burnsie) LaBarr
Condolences to your family, JoEllen. It was an honor to play the piano with you leading worship in the days of Flint Lake. Your mom was always proud of you. You were part of our journey with the Lord here on earth. -Curt and Stephanie Taylor
I also went to school with Jo/Toad and will never forget all of our great times in school, out of school and later in our lives. She loved her family, friends and God. I will always remember you, Jo. My deepest sympathy to her family. -Patti Carlin
I worked at Porter Township School Corporation as the technology coordinator. I knew Jo quite well and I just thought she was such a good teacher and such a great person. Unfortunately, I cannot be at the visitation. I send my sincere sympathy to her family. -Lili Swenson
Don and I are thinking of all her family and friends at this sad time. I worked with Jo at Boone Grove, she loved teaching. Her smile and giggle was contagious, she always put a smile on your face. I know she will be missed by all. -Tammy Guerrero
Ralph, I'm so sorry for your loss old buddy. Jo and I went to high school together and I always considered her a dear friend. I went to her church as a youngster and into Jr high. I remember her trying to get me to quit smoking in Jr high and hi school. I should've listened to her. I'll have to tell her that when I see her in Heaven. -Bill Bennett
We’ve lived in Boone Grove for 25 years & our three children attended BGE. I often subbed & my kids were in Jo’s class. I did a long term sub assignment for her when she was out for weeks with pneumonia, she was disappointed to be missing this particular unit. I’ll never forget how touched & surprised she was when I called her so the class could sing the Schoolhouse Rock Preamble that they learned while she was home. She was always such a sincere, kind soul, prayers go out to her family. -Naomi Dobrowski
My deepest condolences to your family and friends who will miss her dearly. Many Gid grant you all peace and comfort in this time. -Sue White
I’ve had the privilege of being a student of Jo’s and to then teach along side of her. I loved my time with her and appreciated all her help and kindness she showed me. Blessings & Prayers! -Megan B
Carla , and your Brother's, what a amazing sister you had in Jo Ellen!!! When I cleaned for your dad and she came by she always made me laugh at life even when Carl your dad was in the hospital, she had adorable story’s to make me feel everything was going to be ok.She had a gift , her love for others so deeply displayed threw out her life.I have only one sister older than myself , and I know how I will feel if she passes she will take a part of me with her , she is all I have. A big void will be in my life then. Your whole family has served God in so many different ways , but serving and caring is the most part.She fought for many years , she’s at peace with your DadAnd Mom, I could here Carl now ….. what took you so long I was waiting… Love and blessings to you and your amazing family at this time, we are left behind to finish our work , till it’s done we must keep living life as God shows us. Love to you and all your family , -Cathy and Ron Olson
