Jo Ann Schultheis

Jo Ann Schultheis,79, Rockford, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday June 11, 2024. Born October 29, 1944 in Buffalo, NY, daughter of Delos and Algreta (Knudson) Wilkinson. The family moved to East Bloomfield, NY where Delos owned an Insurance Agency and Algreta was the P. E. Instructor at the local high school. Jo Ann graduated from the East Bloomfield, NY High School and went on to Becker College in Worchester, MA where she graduated with a Degree in Retail and Merchandising. Following graduation from Becker, Jo Ann was employed at the exclusive B. Forman Women’s Department Store in Rochester, NY and was the Manager of two clothing departments. In addition to her management responsibilities, she made ongoing visits to New York City to select and purchase merchandise for upcoming clothing seasons. In 1970, she met and married William (Bill) Schultheis in Rochester. After several years of living there, she and Bill relocated to Durham, NC where he was employed in the Corporate Office of the Colorcraft Corporation. Some time later Bill was assigned to the Corporate Colorcraft Division in Rockford, IL and the couple moved there. Jo Ann had two sons, William, and Andrew and was the proud grandparent of five grandchildren. When her boys were in high school, Jo Ann was employed at the Post Conciliar Catholic Book Store in downtown Rockford which ultimately moved to northeast Rockford under the new name of Vineyard Catholic Book Store. She was then recruited to work at Holy Family Church as the Social Services Director. Jo Ann loved helping others in need and worked for the Pastor, Fr. A. Harte, who became a very good friend of both Jo Ann and her husband. After many years at Holy Family Jo Ann moved to an administrative position at the Bergner Department Store in Rockford and remained there up until its closing. Jo Ann was ever faithful to her Catholic identity and was devoted to helping out on various church committees. When Fr. Harte was later assigned as Chaplain of the Poor Clares Monastery in Rockford, and lived in a separate residence on the grounds, Jo Ann volunteered in the preparation of his meals, and along with her husband, managed other household chores. Jo Ann loved and was so very proud of her grandchildren and kept memory books of each showing their growth and accomplishments. She also enjoyed knitting and cooking for family and friends, and loved to travel. She and her husband, Bill, took many memorable trips both in the United States and overseas including a month-long automobile tour of the National Parks in the West. Jo Ann had a big heart for her family and for all those she encountered. Her moral position was unshakeable as she was an example of goodness, love and faith to others. The truth of that can be found in the follow-on strong and noble character of her sons and grandchildren. 

Survivors include her husband, Bill; their sons, William (Trisha) Schultheis and Andrew Schultheis (Caroline Anderson); her grandchildren, Grace, Clare, Joseph, Coralie and Cathryn. Also, loved and surviving are numerous extended family members, and the children of her husband’s prior marriage, Michael (Candy) Schultheis and Linda (Neil) Schwenk. Jo Ann is predeceased by her parents, Delos and Algreta Wilkinson; her brother, Benjamin Wilkinson, and her brother-in law, James Schultheis.

The family would like to extend a sincere expression of gratitude to Briana Johnson and the entire staff at Trustwell Living at Cherryvale Place. The obvious genuine love and caring they gave to Jo at the end of her life was comforting and incredibly appreciated. 

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornucopia Food Pantry, 402 Market Street, Rockford, Illinois 61107. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com