Jo Ann (Lantz) Kirman, 94, of Galesburg, Illinois, lived a life filled with family, friendship, love and more than a few good stories. To many, she was Jo Ann. But to the people who loved her most, she was simply Mom or Nana — a name she wore proudly and a role she treasured.
Born in Gerlaw, Illinois, to Russell and Ruth (Snodgrass) Lantz, Jo Ann graduated from Alexis High School. She married Charles McLaughlin in 1950, and together they raised five children. They were married until 1970. In 1971, she married Rod Kirman, with whom she shared 32 years of marriage until his death in 2003.
Jo Ann had a little bit of feistiness, a whole lot of warmth and a genuine enthusiasm for the things she loved. She enjoyed a good shopping trip, a round of golf and a cold Diet Coke, though she was rarely seen without her trusty bottle of ice water in tow. She was an avid reader and talented knitter, and she could often be found with a book or her iPad in hand, either lost in a good story or playing one of her favorite games. For more than 50 years, she was a member of the Lake Bracken Dinner Club, where countless meals, conversations and friendships were shared. She was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.
But nothing brought Jo Ann more joy than her family. She was immensely proud of her five children, 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to tell someone about their latest accomplishments. She loved keeping up with everyone’s adventures and antics, celebrating their successes and sharing their stories with anyone willing to listen. And even those who weren’t particularly willing might have heard a story or two. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was Nana and Nannie, their biggest fan and one of their proudest cheerleaders.
For the last 8 1/2 years, Jo Ann called Kensington home. There, she found wonderful friends, caring staff and a community that became an important part of her life. Her family is especially grateful for the friendships, kindness and compassion that surrounded her during those years.
Jo Ann is survived by her five children, Marcia (Randy) Cowser of Carterville, Illinois; Janice Edmund of Newburgh, Indiana; Bev Brown of Newburgh, Indiana; Darcy (Scott) Swigart of Missouri Valley, Iowa; and Chuck (Deb) McLaughlin of Alpha, Illinois.
She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Rorik (Stephanie) Cowser and Nick (Laura) Cowser, both of Carterville, Illinois; Kate (David McCullars) Hamlin of Austin, Texas; Abbey Doyle of Evansville, Indiana; Sarah Spurgeon of Mount Vernon, Indiana; Ashley (Brad) Wedeking of Omaha, Nebraska; Kindel (Brad) Haverback of Mount Vernon, Iowa; Annie (Chad) Wood of Ophiem, Illinois; Wade (Breanna) McLaughlin of Lynn Center, Illinois; and Ryan (Krissie) McLaughlin of Ophiem, Illinois; as well as 22 great-grandchildren and one sister, Ruth Ann Taylor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rod Kirman; her parents; two sons-in-law, Steve Edmund and Jeff Brown; and three sisters, Margaret Morris, Helen Anderson, Wilma Rose.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the CTNNB1 Connect and Cure in honor of Jo Ann’s great-grandson, Preston Wood — a fitting way to celebrate a woman whose love and pride in her family reached across generations.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
