A Celebration of Life service for Jo Megill, 64, of Spirit Lake will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation for Jo will begin at 9:00 AM at the church. Jo passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
If you are reading this, thank a teacher! Yet if you are reading this, guess I’m gone, darn it.
Jo Anne (Jo) was born August 25, 1960, in Bethesda, MD, to Joseph & Lucia La Padula. Jo graduated (shocking, right) from Fremont High School in 1978. Lived in Lincoln, NE, from 1981 – 2004; once a Husker, always a Husker. GO BIG RED!
Jo married Randal Johnson in 1981 and had 3 beautiful children: Angela, born in 1986; Thomas, born in 1991; and Douglas 1992. In August 2004, Jo married Michael Megill and moved their family to the tundra of Spirit Lake. Since joining the community, Angie graduated from Wichita State, TJ fulfilled his dream of becoming a pharmacist, and Dougie has served honorably in the United States Marine Corps.
Jo never met a person she didn’t enjoy chatting with. Jo’s belief was every person has a story to share if we just take the time to listen. She was blessed with hanging out with youth in Ministry, gained strength in bereavement support, and enjoyed helping with her church and community. There weren’t many places you didn’t see some aspect of Jo. She loved it when she was somewhere and heard, “Hi Mama Jo!” Sometimes you would hear belly laughs from them, tears of heartache, and most times you’d see them with a warm hug as they parted. Jo was famous for her “red nose” days, and sharing red noses with many. She started Red Nose Days in 2010 after Angie’s passing. Since that time she has handed out over 500 red noses!
Jo enjoyed reading, crafts, and working on her lawn, but most of all she enjoyed her children. The bond between them was strong. She raised her children to “fly.” Not to stay right in this area by mom, but to branch out and discover the world, as an added bonus, it gave her more vacation places to go to! Jo always felt there are two types of families… the ones you are born into and the ones you choose. Oh good golly, she had so much fun choosing so many and being chosen by so many to be a part of their “family.”
Cancer became a part of Jo’s life in 2012 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After winning her battle with cancer, she received news in 2022 that her cancer was back, but this time, in addition to breast cancer, she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Regardless of the diagnosis, Jo continued to fight her battle against cancer to ensure her diagnosis didn’t define her life.
Left to be haunted by Jo is her husband, Michael Megill of Spirit Lake, IA; sons TJ Johnson (Alli) of Omaha, NE; Douglas Johnson (Kara) of Fort Gregg Adams, VA; and three amazing grandchildren, Brayden, Cole, and Ellie. Jo was preceded in death by her daughter Angie, parents Joseph and Lucia La Padula, and Rex and Abbie Megill.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on others’ lives” Jackie Robinson.
In remembrance of Jo, live every day with a smile and make a positive impact in someone’s life. Always remember today is a good day to have a great day! TTFN
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
