Jo Dyre

Jo Ann (Gardner) Dyre, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 89, at Homestead in Centerville, Iowa, surrounded by her daughters.

Jo was born on February 11, 1936, in Centerville, Iowa, to Joseph Hugh Gardner and Mary Lucille (Hoover) Gardner. She was raised on the family farm, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and resilience. At just eight years old, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her younger sister, Jeanine, who passed away at the age of four. That early loss deeply shaped Jo’s lifelong desire for a large, loving family—a dream she fulfilled with devotion and pride.

A proud graduate of Centerville High School’s Class of 1954, Jo went on to attend Centerville Community College (now Indian Hills Community College). She married her first husband, Larry, on January 22, 1956, and together they began a life rooted in love and family. Tragically, Larry was killed in a car accident while still young, leaving Jo a widow with children to raise.

With strength and grace, Jo returned to the family farm and relocated with her parents after it was taken by eminent domain to construct Lake Rathbun. They settled on a farm east of Centerville on Dewey Road, where she continued to raise her family. Later in life, she married Roger and shared a meaningful chapter with him until his passing. After Roger’s death, Jo retired at the age of 62 and continued living a life of quiet strength, surrounded by those who meant the most to her.

Jo shared a deep and loving bond with her son Kevin, who lived with her until his passing in 2008. His presence brought her daily joy, companionship, and comfort.

A woman of unwavering faith, Jo was raised attending Gospel Chapel and later became a devoted member of Drake Avenue Christian Church. She served her community through her volunteer work with the Hospital Auxiliary and lived a life guided by kindness and humility.

Jo was an avid reader and loved tending to her flower gardens, always finding peace and beauty in life’s simple pleasures. For over two decades, she made annual trips to Florida to visit her father after his retirement, creating treasured memories and keeping close the bond they shared.

She also shared more than 75 years of cherished friendship with the “Fabulous Five”—Judy, Bev, Kathie, Evy, and Jo—and held a special friendship with Jody, who remained close through the years.

Jo leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion.

She is survived by her daughters:
- Kim Kirkland of Centerville
- Kelli Hengstenberg of Centerville
- Kerri (Dave) Boender of Moravia
- Missi Cisler of Centerville

Her grandchildren:
- Dustin (Megan) Kirkland
- Travis (Heather) Kirkland
- Courtney (Nicholas) Reis
- Mallory Tandy
- Brett (Julie) Mihalovich
- Lucas (Jessie) Mihalovich
- Lexi Cisler
- Daniel (MaKenna) Cisler
- Chasity Jo Shiltz (1977–1982)

Her great-grandchildren:
Jayce, Baylor, Cade, Maddie, Quincy, Morgan, Zane, Vivi, Sofia, Frank, Blayne, Burkley, Matthew, Grace, and Caden.

She was preceded in death by her sister Jeanine; her beloved son Kevin; her husbands Larry and Roger; her granddaughter Chasity Jo; and her parents, Joseph Hugh and Mary Lucille Gardner.

A celebration of Jo’s life will be held at Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville on July 3rd with visitation from 12-2, followed by a private funeral with family and close friends. A light lunch is to be served after the funeral. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and honor her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EveryStep Hospice. Many thanks to hospice nurse Heather, for her compassionate care during Jo’s time in hospice.
Cards/memorials may be mailed to PO Box 1013, Centerville, IA 52544.