JoAnn Irwin

 Pierson, IA: JoAnn L. Irwin, 89, of Pierson, passed away Thursday, August 3, 
2023 at Correctionville Specialty Care, Correctionville, IA. Memorial services 
will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Rohde Funeral Home, 
Kingsley, Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Pierson, IA. Visitation begins 
at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, at Rohde Funeral Home. Online condolences may be 
sent to rohdefh.com.
JoAnn was born November 9, 1933, Pierson, IA, the daughter of Maynard F. & 
Ella L. (Herbold) Puttmann. She grew up in Pierson graduating from Pierson 
High School in1951. She and Alan “Al” Irwin were united in marriage May 23,
1953 at Salem Lutheran Church, rural Correctionville, IA. After their marriage 
they continued to live in Pierson and raise their family. JoAnn had an artistic 
flair and enjoyed ceramics, knitting, crocheting, quilting, crafting; there was 
nothing she couldn’t make. If she saw something she liked at a craft fair, she
would purchase one, take it home and make it. She opened Jo’s Gift Shop in
Pierson and also had a ceramic shop in her home where she held ceramic 
classes. A handmade gift from her was always very special to family and 
friends who received one. JoAnn and Al enjoyed entertaining family and 
friends in their home in Pierson and at their cottage at the Lakes. After her 
husband passed away, she moved to their Lake home for several years and 
eventually moved to Sioux City. Her family was her world and she cherished 
her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. 
JoAnn is survived by her son Timothy (Jennifer) Irwin of Armstrong Iowa, her 
daughter Becki (Byron) Rippke of Boone, Iowa. Six grandchildren, Nathan 
(Ashley) Rippke of Ames, Iowa, Jamie (Kyle) Vitzthum of Ankeny, Iowa, Erin 
(Jake) Nelson of Alta Iowa, Padraic (Kyisha) Irwin of Port Angeles, 
Washington, Kathleen Irwin of Armstrong, Iowa, Stuart (Ashley) Irwin of 
Savannah, Missouri. Seven great grandchildren, Elsa and Nase Rippke, Clare 
Vitzthum, Hayvin and Koraline Irwin, Tate and Blake Nelson. Sister-in-law 
Donna Puttmann and many other relatives and friends.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister Donna 
Meylor and her brother Ray Puttmann.
The family has requested that memorials be directed to Salem Lutheran 
Church.