Dr. Joseph Johll

Dr. Joseph William Johll was born August 12, 1957, in Prairie du Chien, WI as one of 6 children to Alfred and Audrey Johll. Determined from the beginning, he paid for his first car and saved for college by working at the Country Kitchen in high school. In 1979 he completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Viterbo College, LaCrosse, WI. After which he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, with tours in Biloxi MS, Turkey, and CA. He married his college sweetheart, Gail Ann Reicks, on June 18th, 1983. While working nightshift as a critical care nurse in the emergency room, he began Optometry school in Chicago, IL, graduating in 1990. His devotion to his family, work as an optometrist, and most importantly his Catholic faith included moves to Ankeny; Chariton; Fairfield; and finally Winterset in 2006. He was a member of the American Optometric Association, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, Opus Dei, and Regnum Christi, to name a few. His pride and joy were his family, including his wife Gail, seven children, Mark Joseph, Maria Elizabeth, Benjamin Michael, Rebecca Anne, Matthew Joseph, Miriam Therese, and Anne Dominique. His life was a dedicated example of service to his family, extended family, friends, and church, through music, medical missionary work, and travels to Washington, DC for the March for Life. One of his many talents included singing for weddings, funerals, church, and numerous community events. He enjoyed cultivating the domestic church by spending time with family, gardening, and caring for his home in the country. Most importantly, he exemplified a life of great faith and was an inspiration to all. His 16 year-long journey with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy – Parkinsonism (PSP), included many obstacles and challenges which he met with great determination and support from his comrades at neurocycling and Rock Steady Boxing. He died peacefully in his home on April 5, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Audrey Johll and his brother Stephen Johll. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gail; children: Mark (Tamara) Johll, of Pittsburgh, PA; Maria (Keith) Kelley, of Fort Collins, CO; Ben, Rebecca (David), and grandson Joseph Reising, Matthew, and Miriam, all of Des Moines, IA; and Annie of Winterset, IA. His siblings: Chuck (Judy) of Prairie du Chien, WI; Ruth Schwantes and Eugene Johll of Lancaster, WI; Susan (Bob) Walz of Wauzeka, WI. In addition, Joe was admired and loved by many devoted nieces and nephews.