Jo-Ann Lucie (Lorenz) Sroda, 76 passed away peacefully on February 6, 2021 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease (CJD) last year. Her final months were spent at Azura Memory Care Oak Creek in the care of St. Croix hospice. We thank them for their compassion & devotion to Jo-Ann during this difficult time coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Jo-Ann was a lifelong Wisconsinite born in Milwaukee to parents Willi Lorenz & Lucie (Goetz).  She was one of seven children. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Fred, sisters Ruth, Jean, Marion, husband Thomas and son Mark. Survived by son Gregory and sisters Inga & Lucille, brother-in-law Robert and many nieces & nephews.

 

Jo-Ann graduated South Division High School 1962 and married her husband of 38 years, Thomas James Sroda in 1968. Sons Mark Thomas & Gregory James soon followed, and the family settled in West Allis in 1970.

 

Wife, mother, sister and friend. Jo-Ann was happiest with the company of her family and friends. This carried over into her 34-year career at Kohl’s department store, Southridge Mall spending the bulk of her time in her favorite department, shoes!  By her retirement in 2011 she had mentored countless employees and was a valued colleague and leader to all.

 

Along with family Jo-Ann loved all things B; Bingo, Brewers and Baking! She loved playing bingo with her closest friends at the Potawatomi Casino, attending Brewer games with her son Mark and baking her famous homemade KitKat bars for family gatherings. Her love, laughter and presence are missed by the vast community she leaves behind.

 

Jo-Ann’s spirit of giving carried over in her support of many non- profits; both local and national.  Memorial contributions can be made to: 

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Jo-Ann’s eldest son Mark died by suicide 3 years ago; bringing this silent epidemic out of the dark will save lives.  

• The Creutzfeldt- Jacob Disease Foundation to support families affected by this rare and fatal brain disorder OR

• St. Jude Foundation.  One of Jo-Ann’s favorite charities.

 

JoAnn wished to be cremated and interred at Arlington Park Cemetery in Milwaukee, next to her son Mark. A celebration of life will be held after restrictions are lifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic to which all are invited to attend.  Details will be available at a later date.

 

To send condolences by mail, contact Greg at gregsroda@gmail.com for the mailing address.