Jo Ann Hallerud Obituary

Hallerud, Jo Ann M. December 7, 1939 - September 16, 2013 Jo Ann was the second daughter of Joseph and Elmira (D'Errico) Simone and sister to Mary (Simone) Hatfield of Chicago. As a teenager she worked to pay her tuition to attend St. Scholastica. From an early age Jo Ann knew the meaning of a dollar but was overly generous to those she loved. In her final months her endeavors to send birthday cards and presents to loved ones brought her great happiness. Jo Ann was also generous with her home. With her ever-patient and saintly husband, Clifford Hallerud, she adopted their beloved daughter, Jennifer, and together gave her the best of everything. They also opened their home to other family members and countless rescue pets. While Jo Ann's daughter was most definitely pampered, the pets were spoiled rotten. The makers of dog treats everywhere will most certainly see a dip in their profits this quarter. Jo Ann hosted many Christmas Eve celebrations in her home over the years. She was a lover of people, parties and celebrations. Jo Ann was an extrovert and enjoyed her social life. She happily accepted life's invitations. Professionally Jo Ann crunched numbers and counted beans, but she lived for weekends, vacations and adventures. Let it be known that Jo Ann did indeed meet Elvis while overseas in Germany as an army wife to her first husband Don Overby. Jo Ann loved a good crossword puzzle and completed them in pen. She was a fan of mystery books and television crime dramas. At one point she intended to become an avid bird watcher but this hobby never got off the ground. Her attempts at keeping house plants in thriving condition were as valiant as they were unsuccessful. As the internet became a household sensation Jo Ann continued to solve puzzles and play other games online. To everyone's surprise Jo Ann continued to be an adventurer in her later years. With her domestic partner, Rodger Burge, she went white water rafting and was a Goldwing co-rider in A2 and Z2. Jo Ann also became a grandmother. Rodger's daughter, Monica and son-in-law Tim Brown, welcomed her into their lives making her an almost instant grandmother of six, Lyndzie and husband Jeff Hashbarger, Christyan, Nycholas, Kathryn, Elyzabeth and Madelyn. In her final days Jo Ann was afforded the opportunity to meet her adorable great-granddaughter, Elise. When Jennifer married Daniel O'Malley, Jo Ann found a new partner in culinary adventure with her favorite son-in-law. Restaurants everywhere will miss their shared patronage. Jo Ann was also known to many of the middle school children in her city as, "Mrs. H." She assisted in the computer lab at Lincoln Jr. High and also tended the front door to let the band kids in for rehearsal. To her last day Jo Ann was hoping to return to her posts at school. She marveled at the youngsters around her and enjoyed working with all of her colleagues. If you are able, raise a glass of scotch to Jo Ann Hallerud, a fighter to the very end. Continue to celebrate her life and memory. Love the people in your life generously and never stop going on adventures. Visitation Wednesday from 3-9pm at Oehler Funeral Home 2099 Miner St Des Plaines, IL. Funeral Thursday 9:15 am from chapel to Our Lady of Ransom church 8300 Greenwood Ave Niles, IL mass 10am. Entombment St Joseph Cemetery. Info 847-824-5155 or www.oehlerfuneralhome.com