Jo Ann Roggow's Obituary
Jo Ann Roggow as born on August 25, 1947 at Corpus Christi, TX to parents Thomas H. and Katherine A. Freeman. Her life was filled with travel as the offspring of a Navy career father and subsequent marriage to a career Marine and then to a Navy man. Early years took her to occupied Japan and many places across the U.S.; adulthood found her living in the city where she was born and again overseas to Guam and many more places in the U.S. Along the way, she paused long enough to graduate High School at Jay, FL and to get her RN license through Pensacola (FL) Junior College in 1968. While in college, she met the love of her life, Marine 1Lt. Louis E. Handte II, whom she married on August 19, 1967, then tragically lost him in an aircraft accident on December 14 of that same year. To this union was born a lifelong loving reminder, Louis E. Handte III.
Another chapter in her life began upon marrying Ltjg. Ralph Roggow on May 1, 1970. To this happy couple, two more children arrived, Jennifer (Brad Harter) and Lori (Chad Wittmeier). Their extensive travels continued until retiring from the military to a farm in SD in 1979. As her children grew up, Jo Ann chose to return to her nursing profession, where she became widely respected by patients, doctors, and coworkers, enough to be recommended to the Physician’s Assistant program at the University of North Dakota. Upon graduating, this endeavor because the staple her life until retiring in 2009. As many can attest to, her patients were the central concern of her practice. The highlight of her career was as sole medical provider at the Mercy Clinic in Howard, KS.
Jo Ann died at her home in Howard, on Monday, November 20, 2017 with many of her loving family at her side. Preceding her in death were her parents, 3 brothers, Thomas H. Freeman II, Kenneth R. Freeman, and Hendri. Survivors include her husband, Ralph, all her children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, with Pastor Robin Haines officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. A memorial has been suggested to the Elk County Council on Aging and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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