Jolene “Jo” Alaine Ellsworth, 72

Published 10:13 am Thursday, June 5, 2014

Jolene “Jo” Alaine Ellsworth, age 72, of Hutchinson, Minn., passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.

Ellsworth

Jolene “Jo” Alaine Ellsworth was born on March 27, 1942, in Mower County, Austin, Minn. She was the daughter of Dormond and Alice (Schroeder) Laskewitz. Jo was baptized as an infant, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at the Crane Community Chapel in Mower County. She received her education in Austin and was a graduate of the Austin High School Class of 1960.

Jo was blessed with two sons, Michael and Mark. Jo resided in Hutchinson.

Jo was employed at HTI in Hutchinson, in production. She retired in the summer of 2008. Jo was an officer and board member for McLeod County Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter.

Jo helped start the McLeod County Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter in Hutchinson and spent many years volunteering, fostering and caring for the animals. She also enjoyed camping with her family. Jo especially cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.

When Jo needed assistance with her daily care, she became a resident of Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minn., on Feb. 12, 2014. She passed away there on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the age of 72 years. Blessed be her memory.

Jo is survived by her sons, Michael Skelton and his wife, Melissa of Hutchinson, Minn., and Mark Skelton of Hutchinson, Minn.; grandchildren, Bailey Skelton-Mateo and her husband, Nic, Hannah Skelton, Derek Skelton; great-grandchild Rhia Mateo; brothers Jerry Laskewitz and his wife, Kathy of Austin, Minn., and David Laskewitz and his wife, Judy of Austin, Minn.; sister, Randee Laskewitz and her husband, Dan Johnson of Port Orange, Fla.; and many other relatives and friends.

Jo is preceded in death by her Parents, Dormond and Alice Laskewitz.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with Pastor Wayne Morrison officiating. The soloist is Andrew Larson, singing “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” The pianist is Stephanie Larson. A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel. Interment will be at about 3:30 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery in Austin, Minn. Following the burial, the family will meet at about 4 to 4:30 p.m. at Pizza Ranch in Austin. Everyone is welcome. See more at and access the online guestbook at http://www.hantge.com/obituary/Jolene-A.-Ellsworth/Hutchinson-MN/1385387#sthash.1Hf7oR84.dpuf.