Violet "Jo" Massick

Violet JoAnne “Jo” Van Benthuysen Massick was born May 25, 1931 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Forrest and Henrietta (Oswandle) Van Benthuysen. Jo grew up in Tracy and graduated from Tracy High School. On May 5, 1951 she was united in marriage to Albert Massick in Lovilia, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Terry, Linda, Danny and Jeff. The couple resided in Tracy for most of their married life until 2004 when they moved to Knoxville. Jo sold Avon for 25 years and Home Interior for 28 years. She also served on the Marion County Election Board for many years. After Albert’s death in 2011, Park Lane Assisted Living became Jo’s home.
Jo and Albert loved to dance and were avid supporters of the Kenny Hofer Orchestra for many years. Jo also loved to travel, cook, play bingo and go to the casino.
After a long battle with renal disease, Jo passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014 at the Comfort House in Pella at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 2 days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Albert, two sisters: Pauline Fee and Larine Milledge, brother, Vaughn Van Benthuysen and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Those left to mourn her passing are:

Terry Massick, Sr.
Tammy Massick- Burk
Elizabeth Massick-Burk (Caleb Kopitze), Seth Burk, Dalton Burk, Will Burk, Alyssa Burk
Darcy (Mike) Swagart
Braxtyn Swagart, Jonathan Swagart, Mikey Swagart
Terry (Jamie) Massick, Jr.
Theresa (Mike) Visser
Cole Rowland, Ben Rowland, Ethan Rowland, Kaleb Rowland, Clayton Visser, Kaley Visser

Linda (Mike) Shinn, Knoxville
Michael Shinn
Paige Shinn, Ashley Shinn, Michael Cody Shinn
Great-grandson, due in March
Angie (Bob) Dingeman
Brooke Edwards, Logan Dingeman, Marcia Dingeman

Danny (Diane) Massick
Scott Massick
Kaleigh Massick
Nicole (Darin) Fliear
Kyli Fliear, Zachary Fliear, Derrick Fliear

Jeff Massick, Albia
Chelsa (Kevin) Mortensen
Jadyn Rice, Zane Rice, Chloe Rice
Kelsey Dahlstrom
Carson Rother
Also surviving are Jo’s sister, Vada Harrington Messamaker of Harvey, brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she cherished.

Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anthony Catholic Church – Knoxville, Iowa
Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Jacob Greiner, Celebrant

Musical Selections
“In the Garden” “Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace” “How Great Thou Art”
“One Day at a Time” “In the Mood”
Mary Burke, Choir Director

Casket Bearers
Terry Massick, Jr. Michael Shinn
Scott Massick Vernon Milledge
Dean Hoy Matt Beaver
Greg Woods

Interment
Bellefountaine Cemetery – Tracy, Iowa

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Pella or to the Park Lane Activity Fund.

The family invites relatives and friends to St. Anthony’s Church Hall for lunch immediately following the Funeral Mass.