Jo Ann Wilson Grossheim

Jo Ann Wilson Grossheim

Gaithersburg, MD

Jo Ann Wilson Grossheim – Army wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, nurse, minister – left this earth Saturday, June 22, 2024. She was born November 24, 1932, in Washington, IA, to Glenn and Juanita (Ellis) Wilson. Jo and her high school sweetheart, Paul Grossheim, married September 10, 1953.

Jo received her registered nurse diploma from the University of Iowa in 1953, Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1973 from the University of the State of New York, and Master of Divinity from Sancta Sophia Seminary. She was ordained October 20, 2002, just before she turned 70. One of the highlights of Jo’s life was serving as a volunteer in mission in Teller, Alaska, a remote Inupiaq village (1998-1999). Jo made several trips back to Alaska over the years with family and friends, most recently in August 2023, at the age of 90.

Jo and Paul lived in many places during Paul’s military career, including Kansas, Texas, Virginia, and Germany. They retired to Des Moines, IA where they owned an antique business. After Paul’s death in 1992, Jo moved east and lived in Silver Spring, MD and Carrol Valley, PA before finally moving to Gaithersburg, MD in 2016.

Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband; daughter, Linda Grossheim; her parents; and brother, James Wilson.

Jo is survived by daughters Julia Rawlings and Susan (Masood) Ahmad; grandchildren Austin Betz, William (Alexandra) Grossheim-Halfpap, Yusuf Ahmad, Aisha Ahmad, and Noreen Ahmad; great-granddaughter Micah Halfpap; and brother, John (Jo Ann) Wilson.

Jo had a real zest for life; she brought a giant smile and contagious laugh with her wherever she went. She enjoyed traveling, dining with family and friends, celebrating her kids’ and grandchildren’s accomplishments, and competing in Rummikub games with her friends at Asbury Methodist Village. Jo leaves a legacy of joy, adventure, and love. Her spirit lives on.