Joann Marie McDonald

Joann Marie McDonald, age 72, of Albia, IA, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at her home under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Joann was born on July 19, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ottumwa, IA, to John P. and Lois Mary (Fitzpatrick) Knowles. She grew up on a farm in Melrose, IA, with her 3 siblings, and graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1969. Joann then attended Ottumwa Heights College for 2 years and later Kirksville Community College for 2 years where she studied Education. On September 15, 1973, she was united in marriage to Tom McDonald in Melrose and to this union 4 children were born, Patrick, Andrea, Scott, and Kevin. Joann and Tom were blessed with 50 years of marriage prior to her passing. Joann worked at the Extension Office in Albia before working at KLBA radio station as a disc jockey and making announcements. Joann later worked as an aide for the Albia School District for many years and spent her summers managing the Albia Aquatic Center for 15 years where she enjoyed caring for the children running around the pool. In her younger years, Joann was very involved in 4-H, creating numerous sewing and crafting projects as well as showing animals. This led her to become a strong leader at an early age. Joann was a foundational pillar in Monroe County, especially in the 4-H Program. She held notable roles in extension such as 4-H Leader, 4-H County Youth Coordinator for 11 years, serving on the Extension Council and even serving as President. She loved helping guide young kids into young adults. In 2024, she was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame for 4-H youth development. Joann was the symbol of everything 4-H stands for and lived out the pledge that hung on the wall at her grandparents’s home throughout her lifetime: My head to clear thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to stronger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world. Joann was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia as well as a member of the ISU Extension Council. She enjoyed being outdoors, tending to her beautiful flowers, and quilting. Joann loved to travel with one of her favorite trips being to Maine to watch the leaves change colors. Joann was very devoted, was a strong and amazing mother and grandmother, and loved to attend her children and grandchildren’s events. Joann is survived by her husband, Tom; 4 children, Pat (Brenda) McDonald, Andrea (Jason) Smith, Scott (Melissa) McDonald, and Kevin (Felicia) McDonald; 13 grandchildren, Mackenzie McDonald, Zachary McDonald, Maddison Tyrrel, Skylar West, Beau Smith, Colin Smith-Coe, Jade Swailes, Paige Bolin, Storm Little, Haleigh McDonald, Katelynn Hewitt, Jase McDonald, and Mylie McDonald; 6 great grandchildren; 3 siblings, Sheila (Randy) Denburger, Mike (Jane) Knowles, and Joe (Kris) Knowles; siblings-in-law, Sue (Larry) Denner and Mary Jo (Scott) Mills; an aunt, Lavera Cottrell; and an uncle, Harold Fitzpatrick. Joann is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lois Knowles; her parents-in-law, Carl and Dorothy McDonald; a brother-in-law, John McDonald; and a sister-in-law, Nancy McDonald. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Joann’s family present to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to Monroe County 4-H Extension.

Joann Marie McDonald

July 19, 1951 - June 19, 2024