"My memories of JoAnna are many and wonderful. I keep them close to light the darkness of this grief. I wish James, her family and her many friends comfort in the days ahead as we navigate this heartrending loss. "
In loving memory of
JoAnna Joyce Rizzo
June 16, 1970 - August 5, 2021
JoAnna J. Rizzo, age 51, of Williams, Iowa, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2021, due to injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident.
Memorial services are being planned and will be announced. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.
Born June 16, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, JoAnna Joyce Rizzo was the daughter of Joseph Anthony and Joyce Marie (Macker) Rizzo, Jr. She studied fashion design and graduated from Iowa State University. On June 12, 2008, JoAnna was married to James Alfred Bergert. The couple made their home near Williams, Iowa.
JoAnna loved animals and livestock and traveled all over the world training, showing, and participating in dog trials and obedience and confirmation agility work, and was fondly dubbed the "Crazy Goat Lady." She was an active member of several dog training organizations including the American Belgian Tervuren Club (ABTC), Des Moines Obedience Training Club (DMOTC), Prairieland Belgian Malinois Club, Two Rivers Belgian Tervuren Club, Cyclone Kennel Club of Ames, Australian Shepherd Club of America, and That'll Do ASC. She will be remembered for her vibrant smile, positive attitude, and willingness to work with anyone willing to learn.
JoAnna also loved all things Disney and made many happy memories on trips to Disney World. She enjoyed swapping and collecting Disney pins, especially Mickey, Pluto and Tigger.
Survivors include her husband, James Bergert; her parents, Joseph and Joyce Rizzo of Ames; a brother, Joseph (Lynne) Rizzo of Alexandria, VA and their daughters Katherine and Rebecca; two sisters, Deborha Ann (James) Obermann of Cresco and their children Benjamin (Lauren) Obermann and Lauren (Brandon) Kerian; and Donna Rizzo of Huxley; a stepson, Seth Bergert of Rochester, MN; as well as other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Anna Rizzo; and her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Florence Macker.
Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of JoAnna and her family.
Tributes
"I met JoAnna many years ago and loved her laugh, smile, and fun loving spirit, She was a wonderful person and have left many friends behind. May we all try to be the person JoAnna was. With much sorrow and sympathy to all family. Judy KInney"
"There are no words to adequately express what a bright light JoAnna was. My heartfelt condolences to James and the rest of her family. "
"I will always carry a memory of JoAnna?s infectious smile in my heart. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed. Hoping that James and all of her family can find solace in the beauty of the love she brought to all that she did. "
"I was blessed to have known her for a short time. This has brought me much sadness. Praying for you James and all her animals. She is a brightest angel and has made a place for herself in heaven. "
"JoAnna was so full of life and love. I have many fond memories with JoAnna while growing up in our neighborhood. I will be praying for your family. "
"The mark JoAnna made in so many lives is immeasurable. Her dog family grieves with her family at the loss of this bright spirit "
"JoAnna was a really wonderful lady who left her mark on this world. Prayers and thoughts to James and all her family. "
"Dear dear James, and all of JoAnna's family please know our hearts are with you. May you find comfort and peace in shared stories and memories. "
"Words cannot express how sorry we are about your loss. I will always remember her mischievous smile and you two walking holding hands. A perfect couple. "
"Continuing to pray for you, James. Such a beautiful soul. We are so sorry. "