Josephine Moritz Krahn

Jo Krahn Moritz passed away in her Moorhead home surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley on May 12th, 2013.

Jo was born on July 1st, 1934 to John & Agatha Schatz of Velva, North Dakota. She was the youngest of eight children. After graduating from high school in 1951, Jo met and married Arnold Krahn from Langdon, ND on July 25th, 1952. The two settled in South Moorhead and began their life together starting a family. Together they had four children, Patricia who was stillborn, Timothy, Teri and Thomas. Her husband Arnie passed away in November of 1963. Jo raised their three children as a single mom and after the kids had all graduated from high school she was re-married in June of 1980 to Robert Moritz of Moorhead, Minnesota. Jo and Bob enjoyed spending time at their lake home on Fish Lake during the summers and taking many winter trips to escape the cold weather. Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 1996 and passed away in 2000.

Jo was diagnosed with emphysema in 1977 and has lived with COPD since that time. She has always kept a positive attitude and with the help of family, friends and her faith in God she has been able to live every day to the fullest. She felt truly blessed despite her hardships.

Jo worked at several area business’s as a legal secretary and finished her career at Minnesota State University where she retired in 1995. Jo had many hobbies that kept her busy such as refinishing antique furniture, sewing & quilting, cooking and her beloved pastime of playing bridge. Jo was active in many bridge clubs and in her later years played bridge tournaments on the internet of which she and a special friend from Texas, pen named Philco championed many a game. They became best of friends and it was a spark that helped Jo stay positive in light of her diminishing health. She also authored & distributed two bestselling cookbooks to her family and friends. Her first cookbook was called Family Favorites from Jo’s Kitchen and was dedicated to her mother Agatha who passed away at the ripe old age of 101 years. Her second cookbook was called Grand Slam Recipes from the Queen of Hearts. Her children nicknamed her the Queen of Hearts because of her love of playing cards.

Jo’s home church has been Triumph Lutheran Brethren in Moorhead. She was so grateful for their loving support and help throughout the years.

Jo is survived by her four brothers, Chris Jerry of Minot, ND., Louis Katie Voltaire, ND., Raymond and Adam both of Yakima, Washington. Her children, Timothy Jill West Fargo, ND, Teri John, Marine on the St. Croix, MN, Thomas, Miami, FL and her grandchildren, Jordan, Jennifer, Kelly, Garrett, Olivia, Ben, Thomas & Daniel. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Agnes, Irene and Betty and her parents John & Agatha Schatz.

Jo will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor and aunt. She was a hard worker who raised three children on her own, a faithful employee, a busy quilter, an excellent cook and a relentless bridge player.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of Hospice for their kind and dedicated care. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Jo’s name be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 17, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., in Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, Moorhead, MN. A memorial gathering will be one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be in Moorhead Memorial Gardens.