Jo Ann Pelkki

JO ANN PELKKI Saginaw, Michigan Jo Ann passed away peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2023, under the care of Hoyt Nursing & Rehab Centre in Saginaw. She was 90 years old. Jo Ann (Robins) Pelkki was born on October 11, 1932, in Saginaw, to the late William Harold Robins and Ella Mary (Edmond) Robins. A devoted homemaker, Jo began teaching at St. Andrews in 1971, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State College. She then began 25 years with the Saginaw Public Schools at North Intermediate, where she taught science and sex education. During this time, she earned a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University. Jo eventually moved to Arthur Hill High School to first teach earth science and then moving into teaching chemistry. She finished her career in the Saginaw Public Schools as the science coordinator, providing lab activities for teachers throughout the school district. Jo was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, serving on the Altar Guild, taught Sunday school and Bible studies. She also made neighborhood evangelism visits. In her retirement, Jo tutored students, continued her Bible studies and was an active Quilt Guild participant. She regularly assisted her daughter, Kathy, in craft fairs throughout the state. Those surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Robin Pelkki, John (Pamela) Pelkki, Kathleen Pelkki, Matthew (Jane) Pelkki; her grandchildren, Kristen Pelkki (Sean) Squires, Benjamin (Tanya) Pelkki, Samuel Pelkki; her great grandchildren, Carter Squires, Evelyn Squires, Nicholas Pelkki, Baine Pelkki and Leo Pelkki; her sister, Mary English, and the late John English; her nephews, Joseph (Alicia) English and Joshua (Stephanie) English. The Celebration of Jo’s Life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Wakeman Funeral Home, 1218 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. She will be laid to rest with her parents in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a donation to Saginaw Public Libraries, Humane Society of Saginaw County or Habitat for Humanity. Those wishing to express their memories and sympathies of Jo may share them on her memorial website at WakemanFuneralHome.com

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Jo Ann Pelkki

October 11, 1932 - July 24, 2023