A Funeral Mass for Jo Ann Schaaf, age 83, of O'Neill will be 10:30 am Saturday, April 26, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with Burial to follow in the O'Neill Cemetery. Father Bernard Starman will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a Parish Rosary at 7 pm.  Jo Ann passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE.   Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill.

Jo Ann Kathryn (Shoemaker) Schaaf was born on July 10, 1941, to Leonard and Cleta (McNichols) Shoemaker in O'Neill, Nebraska.  The oldest of 5 children, Jo Ann, grew up on the family farm northwest of O'Neill.  Jo Ann attended Holt County District 8 until eighth grade and went on to graduate from St. Mary's Academy in 1959.

On January 27, 1962, Jo Ann married Gerald (Jerry) Schaaf at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O' Neill.  The couple lived in Fort Knox, Kentucky, while Jerry was in the Army.  They then settled in Omaha where Jo Ann worked at Douglas County and Bergan Mercy Hospitals.  The family moved back to O'Neill in 1968.  Then moved to Emmet where they lived in the Epiphany Rectory, then back to O'Neill in 1978.

Jo Ann completed a program to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist.  She was very proud of this and enjoyed working with the patients.  Jo Ann worked 13 years as a respiratory therapist at St. Anthony's in O'Neill.  She worked for 3 years at NMC Home Care, returned to work at St. Anthony's in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department.  She loved this work and her co-workers.

Jo Ann believed deeply in her Catholic faith and loved St. Patrick's and St. Mary's and the community within it.  She was a member of the Altar Society and spent many years working at funeral dinners.

After retirement, Jo Ann took on many new hobbies.  One of her loves was quilting.  Many family members and friends have received some of her handiwork.  Jo Ann became an avid sports fan and spent many nights cheering on her favorite teams.  She enjoyed playing cards, casino trips, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jo Ann is survived by Kathy (Rick Boyle) of Norfolk, NE, Gerald Schaaf Jr. of Omaha, NE, Gary Schaaf of Omaha, NE, Timothy (Carolyn) Schaaf of Johnson Lake, NE, Matthew Schaaf of Denver, CO; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Dianne) Shoemaker of O'Neill, NE, Mary Ellen (Ed) Humpal of Holmen, WI, Jerry Shoemaker of O'Neill, NE.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Jerry Schaaf; parents, Leonard, and Cleta (McNichols) Shoemaker; parents-in-law Elmer and Kathryn (Barnes) Schaaf; brother, Gene Shoemaker; sister-in- law, Maureen Donlin; brothers-in-law, O.J. Armatys, Jerry Kuhn, Bernard Schaaf; niece, Margaret (Maggie) Pierce; nephews, George and Jimmy Shoemaker, Jimmy Schaaf.

Jo Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and friend.  She met life's challenges head on, and persevered through her faith and relationships.

Mom made every family event and holiday special.  She was a great mom and we will miss her dearly.

Jo Ann passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE at the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 11 days.