A memorial service for Jo Ann “Joey” Claeys, 73, of Minneota, formerly of Mankato, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A private family service and interment will also take place at a later date. The Horvath Funeral Service of Marshall is handling the arrangements.
Jo Ann was born on June 26, 1949, in Marshall, MN, to Joseph and Carol Jo Ann “Jeanie” (Nelson) Claeys. She grew up on the family farm in rural Taunton and graduated from Minneota High School in 1967. Joey obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Catherine University in St. Paul in Occupational Therapy. Joey worked as an Occupational Therapist in San Bernardino, CA, eventually becoming the Head of the Department. Next, she switched careers and became a Captain of Oceangoing Vessels in the Caribbean and, later, a Riverboat Captain on the Mississippi. Joey was the only female to obtain both licenses. Joey lived in Winchester, VA, for 20 years. She worked for various home health companies and lived and volunteered at Marker/Miller Orchard. Joey enjoyed giving tours and tending to the gardens there. She also enjoyed antique shopping, trap shooting, archery, quilting and had an affinity for horses. Joey moved back to Minnesota due to health reasons. She died on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Prairie Home Hospice McLaughlin House in Marshall.
Joey is survived by her fraternal twin sister, Jeanne Marie Johnson, of Minneota, sister Debby Harrington of Elbert, CO, sister Mary Claeys of Garden City, MN, brother Thomas Claeys (Tracy) of Kiowa, CO, brother Jon (Laurie) Claeys of Faribault, MN, brother Robert (Sandra) Claeys of Kiowa, CO, sister Caryn Rice of Denver, CO, sister Katie Lachmiller of Cottonwood, MN, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
