JoAnn Crystal Monroe, 91, of Guttenberg died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Guttenberg Hospital, surrounded by family.

Visitation was Monday, March 9, at the Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian.

Graveside services followed the visitation at Pleasant View Cemetery in Castalia, conducted by Rev. Daryl Schultz.

JoAnn was born April 26, 1934, to Fritz and Melvina (Nelson) Lauer in Eldorado. She graduated from West Union High School, West Union in 1951. 

     On Aug. 19, 1951, JoAnn was united in marriage with Forrest Wayne Monroe at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado. Six children were born to this union. She and Forrest farmed in the Luana area, and was a Property Manager for Rydell Farms for over twenty years. JoAnn also worked as a Home Health Aid. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, baking, flower gardens and watching hummingbirds; she always made a homemade syrup for the hummingbirds.

Surviving JoAnn are her children, Peggy (Tony) Webb of Garnavillo, Judy Stahl of Postville, Kevin (Jan) Monroe of Elkader, Brian (Lynn) Monroe of Postville, Paul (Kelly) Monroe of Ferryville, Wis. and Brent (Melissa) Monroe of Urbandale; 17 grandchildren, Alisha (Tom) Jones, Dustin West, Jill (A.J.) Austin, Greg Monroe, Christina (Rusty) Fisher, Matt (Samantha) Monroe, Jamie Bishop, Jodeann Cooley, Shane (Mandy) Monroe, Jesse (Lisa) Monroe, Travis (Bridget) Monroe, Colton (Kassie) Monroe, Rhys Monroe, Megan Stetzer, Joshua (Ashley) Wieman, Molly (Seiler) Noble and Megan Monroe; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Harriet Monroe of Ossian and a sister-in-law, Rose Keller of Phoenix, Ariz. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and sister, Lorraine (Henry) Monroe.