Jo Ann Pedersen (1934 - 2026) passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026 at Open Arms Senior Living in Duluth, Minnesota.

Jo Ann began her journey growing up as a curious and creative child with her parents and sisters in Sturgis, SD.

She received her Master’s Degree in English from Northern State University, Colorado and taught for Black Hills State University at Ellsworth Air Force Base for 24 years. Jo Ann absolutely loved her students from whom she learned so much.

After retirement, she became a full-time resident of Phoenix, and Prescott, AZ where she was passionate about staying active with volleyball, ping pong and of course pickleball.

Exploring the world was her other great love, traveling to 40 countries. She was thrilled to rough it, carrying only a backpack and staying in homes, hostels, or whatever else was available when she got tired. “A wonderful second education after retirement.”

She loved her dogs, constant companions. She’ll be missed by Sunny, her most recent beloved canine.

Surviving family includes daughter, Susan Scheirbeck of Hill City, SD and son, Scott Scheirbeck of Duluth, MN. Her son, Mark, preceded her in death in 1988 at the age of 29.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Jo Ann's Graveside Service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her son, Mark Scheirbeck.