JoAnn M. Creery

CLAYTON, IOWA

JoAnn M. (Sorensen) Creery, 80, of Clayton, Iowa passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo with her family by her side.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. A Celebration of Life will commence at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, with a luncheon to follow in the basement of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

JoAnn was born on October 24, 1944, daughter of Marvin Eric and Elizabeth Grace Sorensen in Riverside, California. They moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa when she was two years old. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School and soon married Robert Creery on June 29, 1963. They renewed their vows after 50 years of marriage in 2013 at the Little Brown Church.

She attended Allen School of Nursing, Hawkeye Institute, and UNI. JoAnn worked at Allen Memorial Hospital for 30 years. After retiring, she and Bob moved to Clayton, Iowa where she substituted in food service at Garnavillo Schools for 10 years. She was active at ELCA Peace Lutheran Church and served on the City of Clayton City Council. She enjoyed quilting, flower gardening, fishing, her bridge group, and going to the casino. She loved her God, her family, and her dogs. Jo’s zest for life, her beautiful smile, and selfless giving, will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

JoAnn is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert; children: Troy (Diane) Creery of Nashua, Ia; David (Julie) Creery of West Union, Ia; Shawn Creery of Garberville, CA; grandchildren: Nick (Ramey) Creery, Chris (Katie) Creery, Libby (Josh) Knoll; bonus grandchildren: Mallory (Mitch) Meyer, Brandon (Katie) Weidemann; great-grandchildren: Quentin and Emersyn Creery, Myla, Morgan, and Maelyn Meyer, and Juniper Weidemann.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, Markus and Mary Sorensen, and parents-in-law, Theressa Heronimus and Lloyd Creery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to: Faith Discipleship Center, 305 6th St NW, Oelwein, IA 52175 or Peace Lutheran Church, 410 Main St, Clayton, IA 52049.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family. Information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.