Jo Ann Erickson

Jo Ann Erickson, 82, of Fox River Grove, Illinois, passed away on March 14, 2021 at Sunrise of Barrington in Barrington, Illinois. Born April 25, 1938 in Burlington, Iowa, she was the daughter of Clifford and Madeline Fitterer. She married Gary Erickson, also from Burlington, Iowa, 58 years ago on July 26, 1962 with whom she had two daughters. Jo Ann grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 1956. She worked in office administration for McKesson & Robbins, prior to fulfilling her role as a dedicated homemaker and mother. She also enjoyed working part-time as a designer at a flower shop. Her religious affiliation was with the First United Methodist Church.

Upon moving from Burlington to Chicago-area in 1983, she participated in a neighborhood newcomer’s committee, where she formed new friendships and helped welcome others. Throughout her life she was an avid bowler of almost 60 years, where she participated in various bowling leagues in both Iowa and Illinois. Waterskiing, square dancing, line dancing, shopping, and decorating for the holidays were among a few other activities that she enjoyed throughout her lifetime. She absolutely loved music, and listened to a wide variety of songs and artists, but Elvis was by far her favorite. She and Gary had fun meeting up with friends on a weekly basis to enjoy live rock-n-roll music and dancing the night away. Jo Ann also liked to travel. The Ozarks, Lake Tahoe and Cabo were just a few of the places she visited multiple times, but Hawaii was her favorite destination of all.

She absolutely adored her grandchildren and truly treasured the time she got to spend with them.  All in all, Jo Ann had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She provided her family and friends with many fun-loving memories that will last forever.

Survivors include her husband, Gary; two daughters, Tammy (Scott) Crosby of Bartlett, Illinois, and Tina (Tim) Goodwin of Burlington, Iowa; four grandchildren, Amber Goetz, Natalie Spear, Nate Spear, Carly Goodwin; brother-in-law, Mike Erickson. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Mary Lou Reusch.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Davenport Family Funeral Home in Barrington, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Jo Ann to Heart Song Inc. (c/o Donna Wirt) P.O. Box 39, West Burlington, IA 52655. Heart Song is a newly established adult day center in Burlington, Iowa that will offer a caring environment for individuals who are no longer able to stay at home alone, while providing their caregivers respite for the day. They will provide multiple programs and bring an essential service to the community.

A Celebration of Jo Ann's Life will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 4 - 7 PM at Burlington Golf Club, 2124 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington, IA 52601.