Jo Ann Sletten

Jo Ann Sletten (Threlkeld), age 73, passed away on October 27, 2019, after complications from a rare brain infection. Through the years she fought various illnesses, but she never complained. Instead, she enjoyed every day, helping create many memories with those who crossed her path. Jo Ann was born January 2, 1946, to John and Anna Threlkeld, of Waynesville, MO. She graduated from Waynesville High School. After graduating, she went to work at Waynesville Security Bank. Jo Ann was introduced to the love of her life, Larry Sletten, who was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, by mutual friends Lillian and Murl Rindahl. On July 14, 1967, Jo Ann and Larry were united in marriage, and they started their life journey together. After the ceremony, Larry’s friend, Carl Matter and Jimmy Threlkeld, “stole” the bride. But they eventually returned her, so Larry and Jo Ann could start their honeymoon in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After their honeymoon, they moved to Madison, were she worked for many years seasonally at Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Swiss Colony, where she made many friends. Jo Ann worked seasonally, which allowed her to take numerous family vacations throughout the United States-from Niagara Falls to Waterton National Park (Canada). Jo Ann was known for her warm caring heart, and always placed others first. During her free time, she enjoyed doing various crafts and puzzles. Crocheting was her favorite. When she wasn’t doing her craft work, she enjoyed baking and cooking. She looked forward making strawberry jam with Sharon Kauffeld, lefse with Nancee Largen, and apple sauce with Lillian Rindahl. Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 52 years, Larry; children, Carl, Jo, Brent, and Tricia; grandchildren, Michael, Monica, Isaac, Ashlie, Alyssa, Miranda, Mariah, and Ellie; great grandchildren, Ezekiel, Elijah, and Zed; siblings, Nettie Phillips, and Jim Threlkeld; foster brothers, Lonny Davis and Leroy Tucker; and many beloved friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Threlkeld; mother-in-law, Mamie Sletten; brothers-in-law, Frank Mahaffey, Rayburn Phillips, Kennard Sletten, Rodney Sletten, and Lester Hardy; and sisters-in-law, Madeline Watters, Margaret Hardy, and Ina Sletten. The family would like to thank Dr. Williams(GHC), Dr. Dempsey(UW Neurosurgery) and their teams, the staff at both Agrace Hospice and Belmont Nursing Home, for their compassionate care of Jo Ann during the last few months. A family is a circle of love, not broken by a loss, but made stronger by the memories. We are forever blessed that God connected us to you. A memorial service will be held at ABIDING SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 406 W. Cottage Grove Rd., Cottage Grove, on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 12 p.m. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. If you cannot attend the service, the service will be livestreamed on Abiding Shepherd’s website, https://abidingshepherdwi.online.church All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisted the family. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.