Jo L. Happel

Jo L. Happel, known affectionately as Jo, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024, in Michigan City, Indiana, at the age of 68. Born on November 28, 1955, Jo's life was a testament to love, resilience, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and passion that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Jo's life was one of connection and commitment, beautifully illustrated by her storybook marriage to Barry Happel. Married on October 10, 2020, their union was a source of strength and happiness for them both. Jo's family was the center of her world, and she is survived by her devoted husband, Barry, her sons, Jamie (Katie) Eberhart, Eric (Dorothy) Eberhart, Brian (Gwen) Happel, and her daughter, Kristine (Dave) Collin. Jo's role as a grandmother was one of her greatest joys, and she doted on her grandchildren, Tulsa Marie Eberhart, Alexandrea Laneve, Juliana Wolozanski, Jason (Lindsey) Hinkamper, Jessica (Skyler) Wiegmann, Jeremy Hinkamper, James (Amanda) Hinkamper, Julia Happel, Jacob (Olivia) Happel, Konnor DeWitt and Grayson Happel. Her great-grandchildren Camden, Rhealee, Aryia, Jersie, Jade, Charli, Reid, Lucy, Emberly, Lily, Asher, and Caterina, also brought immense joy into her life.

Professionally, Jo was a vibrant and well-respected Radio Personality and Tradio Princess with 96.7, The Eagle, where her voice and spirit touched many. She also was the Human Resource Director of Spoon River Media, where her dedication and leadership were invaluable. Jo's involvement in her work was not just a career; it was a part of who she was, and she approached each day with enthusiasm and a zest for life.

Jo's interests were as varied as they were passionate. She was a woman who embraced life fully, from the excitement of listening to police scanners to her love of crime shows. Jo had a deep appreciation for the history of La Porte and often shared her fascination with the story of Belle Gunness. Her interests were a reflection of her curious and engaging nature, always seeking to learn more and share her discoveries with others.

Her family fondly remembers Jo as a woman who never gave up, no matter the challenges she faced. Her battle with breast cancer showcased her incredible strength and fighting spirit. Jo's resilience was an inspiration to all, and her ability to remain optimistic and loving through her health battles was a true testament to her character.

Jo's husband, Barry, cherished her with a love that many dream of, but few ever experience. Together, they shared experiences and made memories that were beyond anything Jo could have imagined. Her family will forever remember the recent joyous occasion when they gathered for family pictures at Jake and Olivia's wedding, a testament to Jo's unwavering commitment to her family.

To describe Jo in a few words would be to say she was loving, optimistic, and passionate. Her smile, soft spirit, kindness, and laughter were gifts to everyone around her. Jo's love story, her dedication to her family, community, and her passion for life will be deeply missed.

As we say goodbye to Jo L. Happel, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart that loved without limits. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Jo's spirit will live on through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love she gave so freely. Until we meet again, we hold dear the memories of a life well-lived and a woman deeply loved. As Jo always said at the end of her broadcast “Be Kind to One Another”

Visitation for Jo will be held from 4-7 PM, Friday, October 25, 2024, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G. Street, La Porte, Indiana, where visitation will be held from 9-10:30 AM prior to the services in the church. Pastor Dennis H. Meyer will officiate.

Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, or Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, www.bethanylaporte.com

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jo’s life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit Esslingfuneralhome.com.

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