Mary Jo was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on March 24, 1936, to George and Mildred (Morrison) Decker. She grew up in Marshalltown and worked at Taylor’s Maid-Rite. Mary Jo graduated from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1954. Following school, she married Byron Klauenberg in 1954. The couple resided in Baxter where they raised their family together. Mary Jo was very active in her kids lives serving as a Girl Scout Leader for 25 years, President of the PTA and drove the Baxter school bus for 35 years. Mary Jo also owned and operated Gae-Jo Catering business for 12 years cooking many suppers and cakes for people all over central Iowa. She also owned and operated Jo’s Corner for many years in Baxter. Mary Jo married Ron West in 1985 and the couple resided in Baxter. Mary Jo was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Sweet Adeline’s, Baxter First Responders, and the Gun Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, knitting, baking, driving the school bus, shooting and was a good shot.

Those left to cherish her loving memory are her children: Darla (Kevin) Knutson, Bradford (Debra) Klauenberg, BeaAnn (Kathy) Klauenberg and Tobi (Jennifer) Klauenberg; grandchildren: Nathan McManus, Tomarra Jo McManus, Amanda Wall, Toby Jo Klauenberg, Byron Klauenberg, Charlie Klauenberg and Allea Klauenberg; 6 great grandchildren; many nephews; many nieces and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Byron and Ron, and sister Beverley (Richard) Cross.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Baxter Food Pantry or the Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter.

Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Mary Jo and her family.