Jo was born on April 20, 1962, at St. John’s Hospital to Robert Allen Klemme and Dorthy Mae Walker Klemme. On December 15, 2023, she passed away peacefully in her home with her husband by her side.
Jo attended Kessler Elementary and Capital High School. Aside from a short stint in Florida, Jo lived her entire life in Helena. She was a proud Montanan.
Jo spent most of her career in the insurance industry. She was very proud of her twenty-plus year career at Montana State Fund working her way up from Administrative Assistant to Claims Examiner and Quality Assurance Specialist. Stacie, Lori, Greg and Kathy are just a few of the many wonderful friends she made while working there.
Jo was preceded in death by her mother and father and infant daughter, Chelea Heal. Her memory lives on through her surviving loved ones; her devoted husband, Joe Mackay; her children, Anna Heal and Michael (Cheryl) Felch; her grandchildren, Trenton and Trinity Garrett, and Damion Felch; and her brother, Jerry Richard Bidmead.
Let’s all raise a glass to Jo and celebrate her life. Jo, you will always be in our hearts and will be dearly missed.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Brook Feist says
Anna, I am sending you thoughts and prayers. Losing a parent is hard, and your mama was a special woman. ~Brook
Diane says
To Joe and Family. I can’t tell you how sorry I am to see that Jo passed away. I worked with her for many many years at Montana State Fund, and she made working there bearable. She was such a bright star in an often frustrating and discouraging place. There are so many people in Helena that will miss her, myself included. Rest in peace, my friend. With deepest sympathy, Diane Pedersen.
Trinity garrett says
I miss you a lot grandma Joe I’m sorry I didn’t go up there alot my favorite memory with you was when you yelled at the people in Florida bc they didn’t know how to drive and the time we spent in the hotels when you come
down to Florida. your favorite granddaughter
Terry Thomas & Teri Bingham says
Joe and family… We will really miss Jo and her smile at Nickels, I will always remember Jo and her mom and all the fun moments we have in the Automotive maintenance class at Helena High. Here wiper stories still make us laugh today. May you rest in peace, love you !
Shelly Horne says
My heart is broken 💔 jo was a awesome friend, we shared so much laughter and tears, so many talks and secrets shared cake fight at my wedding and hiding bottles of champagne in the trees lol I’ll cherish the memories RIP JJ love you
Greg says
So long and safe passage to my good, special friend Jo. Over the years, we shared many adventures, as well as both the highs and lows that life hands us. Don’t know why, but somehow we understood one another. Many years ago, we shared how somtimes in this life, it seems it’s just too late. We were so very wrong. I’m so glad she found Joe, and relearned the magic of Christmas. (Thank you for the secretly placed lawn ornaments, Shari)
I will miss her smile, her laugh, and her sarcastic wit. Here’s to you, Jo. It’s never too late.
Kevin Bartsch says
I always enjoyed working at State Fund with Jo. She was fun to chat with about what crazy antics might have gone on over the weekend or what plans were coming up, and I could always count on her to help me get straightened out on any CMS/MSA issues I might be having. Her commonsense approach, bluntness and refreshing honesty were welcome attributes! Rest well Jo.
Carol Culham says
Joe, So Sorry to hear Jo passed away. You were both so lucky to have found each other. Not everyone gets that perfect harmony and happiness in life. Take care of yourself and know that Jo is now healed and healthy.
Kevin Braun says
Joe and family. I am saddened to learn of Jo’s passing. She was a great coworker who always tried to do the right thing regardless of the situation. She had great integrity in all of our interactions and said what needed to be said. Jo’s smart wit and sense of humor will be missed. Rest peacefully my friend, you have earned it.
Carol Dullum says
Jo would make sure to say hello when you saw her at work. She always had a smile on her face. Jo will be missed. She can rest in peace now.
Susie Rebeck says
Joe,
Your Jo joined my Bob on the day before my birthday. I didn’t know when I saw you at Nickels that day, that you were just starting on this adventure called, “grieving.” No one but you knows what you are going through. The tears come most unexpectantly, sometimes inconveniently. I met Jo probably in the early 80s, before 1997, when I moved to Helena to be with Bob. I was a worker’s comp attorney, mostly defending the employers. I met her on a worker’s case and then continued to pick her brain when I was defending for Employer Benefit Insurance. How joyful I was when I saw that she came to Nickels. I had a hard time making friends in Helena, and she was always happy to see me. You certainly knew where you stood with Jo, and she didn’t mince words. I like friends who will tell me that my skirt hem is up in my waistband. As Bob always said, “Fun is Still Legal,” and I expect all the fun and sensations in Heaven are magnified beyond our mortal beliefs. Rock on my loves. And you take care, Joe.
Joan Gill says
Jo was always happy and fun to be around. She will be missed.