JoAnn L. Bartleson, age 82 of Forest City, IA, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society in Forest City, IA.
A memorial service for JoAnn will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, IA, with Pastor Zech Anderson officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Forest City Food Bank: 215 S. 4th St. Forest City, IA 50436 or Immanuel Lutheran Church: 246 S. Clark St. Forest City, IA 50436.
JoAnn Lyn (Green) Bartleson was born on July 22, 1942 in Forest City, IA to parents Lynne and Bell (Davidson) Green. She grew up in Forest City, and gradated from FCHS in 1960. She continued her education at Waldorf and later Hamilton Business School.
JoAnn was united in marriage to George “Gus” Bartleson on April 15, 1966, and the couple was blessed with two children: Jodi and Matt.
Shortly after high school, JoAnn worked at M.M. Thompson Insurance Agency, then took a job at the Treasurer’s Office in Mason City before becoming Deputy County Recorder in Winnebago County until being elected County Recorder after the retirement of Ardis Ellwood, a job she held until her retirement. When she wasn’t working, you could often find JoAnn volunteering her time at places such as: the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, making over 700 May baskets every year; just to name a few! She was recently awarded the Barney Ruiter Citizenship Award by the Forest City Chamber of Commerce. JoAnn loved her family, they were her biggest pride and joy. Going to grandchildren’s concerts and ball games were a favorite activity for her. In her neighborhood, JoAnn was known as the “candy lady” always having candy available for the children at anytime of the year!
She is preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Gus; and siblings, Myron, Richard “Doc”, and Audri.
Surviving members of her family include her children, Jodi (Jeremy) Heyer of Charles City and Matt Bartleson of Forest City; grandchildren, Samantha (Marcus Norton) Heyer, Justin Heyer, and Hayden Heyer; as well as several loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
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