Jo Ann C. McCracken
Friday, August 30, 1940
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Age:
83 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday April 26, 2024
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Friday April 26, 2024
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery East [ view map ]
Live Stream
To watch the memorial service online CLICK HERE
Friday, August 30, 1940
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Age:
83 years old
Friday, August 30, 1940
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Age:
83 years old
Jo Ann C. McCracken
Jo Ann Catherine McCracken, 83, of Rochester, MN died Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Madonna Towers.
Jo was born on August 30, 1940 in Jackson, MI to Harold and Eleanor (Bamber) McCracken. Her father was a Michigan State Patrol Officer, and her mother a high school teacher. Her father’s position required him to move to several posts throughout upper Michigan with the family locating in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Jo graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School and Central Michigan University with a teaching degree. She taught for five years in Racine, WI and completed her master’s degree in counseling at CMU. In 1967, she accepted a fifth grade teaching position in Rochester, MN at Folwell Elementary School. She completed her teaching career in 2000 at Harriet Bishop School.
In 1982, Jo married Robert Funk. They traveled throughout the United States sharing in Jo’s love of creating dollhouse miniatures. Jo’s collection grew to over 900 dollhouses requiring several modifications in their home. Her travel adventures took her to England, Scotland and Ireland.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; a brother, Bill (Louise) McCracken; nieces, Bridget, Jessica, and Katie McCracken; children, Dana (Casey) Funk, Denise (Dale Priebe), Dianne Keller, Christopher (Karen) and Brian (Kirstie Hanson). Son, Richard died in 1994 and great-granddaughter, Francesca Priebe in 2017. There are 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available at www.mackenfuneralhome.com. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of Jo Ann C. McCracken has received the following condolences.
I remember there was a rumor going around that Mr. Funk was going to marry Miss. McCracken. I didn't know if it was true so I asked him myself. I didn't know what to say when he said yes. Sorry for your loss, and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Nettie Ford
I had Miss McCracken for my 5th grade teacher at Fowell school. She was a wonderful teacher. She was also my son's 5th grade teacher. We thought that was quite funny!
We met Jo and Bob thru miniatures. Over the years we developed a great friendship. Jo took many classes from us. We always affectionately called her “Trouble”. She never let anything get in the way of her love of miniatures. At one convention she had double booked classes. Her plan was to send Bob to the other class. Poor Bob wanted to go to the ball field. To say the least, nothing…not even Bob got in the way of her miniatures! She was a force!
We will miss her indomitable spirit, her purple hair, and her friendship. God speed, Trouble!
I was so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. I meet Jo and Bob through Midwest Miniature Guild. I have literally hundred of memories of having fun with Jo at miniature shows and club meetings. She will be missed by all who were touched by her kindness and friendship.
We met Jo and Bob through miniatures. They were a couple that we always enjoyed spending time with at conventions. Both Jo and Bob's humor was so very welcoming. She will be missed in the world of miniatures. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jo and I met in the Fall of 1958 at The University of Michigan when we were roommates in a dorm. Our birth dates are only three days apart; maybe that is why U of M put us together. We visited each other's homes and families, mine in Kentucky and hers in Michigan, several times over the years. We managed to keep in touch & even meet each other in our travels around the country. I think the last time we got together was a few years ago in Amana, Iowa.
JoAnn was a good friend and classmate at Sacred Heart Academy. We shared many years of laughter, study, games, and just being. My life was blessed by her friendship.
My condolences to you, Bob, and all the family. Thanks for sharing her life with me.
I remember having her for my 5th grade at folwell she was a great teacher