JoAnn (Lassen) Koch Klein

JoAnn Lassen Koch Klein, 89, a resident of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in Iowa City, formerly of Whittier, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. A Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

JoAnn was born the daughter of Donald O. and Maurine (Hampton) Lassen on August 26, 1937, in Whittier, Iowa. She was a 1955 graduate of Marion High School, and later received her bachelor's degree from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in 1959. JoAnn taught at the junior high school at Springville Community Schools. On June 14, 1959, she married Roland E. "Rollie" Koch in Marion, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Kelly and Karla. Sadly, Rollie died unexpectedly on May 9, 1981. JoAnn later married Richard "Dick" Klein on April 26, 1986, in Marion. Dick also preceded her death on October 7, 2006. In January 1983, JoAnn began working at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion as a secretary for more than 20 years, until her retirement. She was a member of the Springville Presbyterian Church. JoAnn loved her family to the moon and back.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her son, Kelly (Sue) Koch of Iowa City; daughter, Karla Jo (Rick) Stessman of Norwalk, Iowa; favorite brother, Dale (Carol) Lassen of Springville; three grandchildren, Andy (Claire) Koch, Alex (Kelsey) Koch and Hannah Jo (fiancé, Brian O’Brien) Stessman; one great-grandson, Carter Koch; sister-in-law, Janet (Koch) Johnson of Germantown, Wisconsin; and a host of extended family members including five nieces and nephews, stepchildren and step great-grandchildren, and numerous friends at Melrose Meadows.

In addition to her first and second husbands, JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Charles “Bud” Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in JoAnn’s memory may be made to the Whittier Community Building; or to the family to be designated later.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Timothy Sagers, M.D., his staff, as well as the residents and staff at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community for all their love, care and support they gave to JoAnn throughout her stay and final days.