"Mary Jo was always very sweet to me. I will miss her smile."
In loving memory of
Mary Jo Klauenberg-West
March 24, 1936 - April 27, 2020
Mary Jo Klauenberg-West, 84, of Baxter, Iowa passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa. A private family visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Friends are invited to Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care at 107 North Main Street in Baxter from 11:00-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2020 adhering strictly to the 10 people or less corona virus guidelines set by the state. A private family burial will take place in Restland Cemetery in Baxter, Iowa.
Mary Jo was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on March 24, 1936 to George and Mildred (Morrison) Decker. She grew up in Marshalltown and worked at Taylor's Maid-Rite. Mary Jo graduated from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1954. Following school, she married Byron Klauenberg in 1954. The couple resided in Baxter where they raised their family together. Mary Jo was very active in her kids lives serving as a Girl Scout Leader for 25 years, President of the PTA, and drove the Baxter school bus for 35 years. Mary Jo also owned and operated Gae-Jo Catering business for 12 years cooking many suppers and cakes for people all over central Iowa. She also own and operated Jo's Corner for many years in Baxter. Mary Jo married Ron West in 1985 and the couple resided in Baxter. Mary Jo was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Sweet Adeline's, Baxter First Responders, and the Gun Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, knitting, baking, driving the school bus, shooting and was a good shot.
Those left to cherish her loving memory are her children Darla (Kevin) Knutson, Bradford (Debra) Klauenberg, BeaAnn (Kathy) Klauenberg, and Toby (Jennifer) Klauenberg; grandchildren Nathan McManus, Tomarra Jo McManus, Amanda Wall, Toby Jo Klauenberg, Byron Klauenberg, Charlie Klauenberg, and Allea Klauenberg; 6 great-grandchildren; brother William (JoAnn) Decker; sister Donna Allee; many nephews; many nieces; and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Byron and Ron, and sister Beverley (Richard) Cross.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Baxter Food Pantry or the Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Mary Jo and her family.
Tributes
"Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Mary Jo."
"So sorry to hear of Mary Jo's passing. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known her. Her zest for life was remarkable. It seemed that she never wanted to waste a minute and tried to live life to the fullest every second. She will be missed."
"Sympathy and fond memories of Mary Jo. She was a special friend and person. love to all, Leola Allen, New Salem, ND"
"Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers? Sincerely Marla Shepley Park Center"
"Baxter lost one of the great ones with Mary Jo's passing. I admire the way your mom brought joy to so many people, and obviously passed that love and light on to each of her four children. May it comfort you to know how much so many other people care. ~ Sharon & Pappy ~"