Josephine Wentworth

Josephine Wentworth, of rural New London, left this life for her eternal home on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the age of 82. She passed away at her home peacefully, after a steady decline in her health. Jo, or Josie, as she was known to kinfolk in Illinois, was born on July 26, 1928, the only daughter of Olen and Geraldine Martin Hardy, and raised in Decatur, IL, on a street named for her by her father: "Josephine Drive". She was a graduate of Warrensburg High School. Jo worked as a secretary until she married her high school sweetheart, Harold O. Wentworth of Warrensburg, IL, on August 26, 1949. They shared nearly 52 years of marriage together until his death on August 21, 2001. Jo and Harold moved to the Gillett, Wisconsin area to dairy farm in 1952, and then in 1960 to Bonnie Acres, where they farmed together on County O, New London. After they sold the dairy farm in 1978 they greatly enjoyed traveling, and visiting their children in various parts of the country. Jo was actively involved as a Hobart 4-H Club leader, Hobart Domestic Club, and also later in Waupaca's Christian Women's club, and other mission and prayer groups. She also volunteered at the Waupaca Pregnancy Information Center, as she had a passion for the unborn. Jo loved to be in service for the Lord; doing whatever she could for neighbors and friends in need. She was known for spoiling her grandchildren with sweet treats, as well as anyone who stopped in to visit her. She lived her faith, and was always ready to tell anyone she'd meet of her love for Jesus. Josephine is survived by six children: Peggy (Jim) Steele of Townsend, TN, Gary (Diana) Wentworth of Greer, SC, Dan (Marcy) Wentworth of Manawa, Brenda (Chris) Hatten of Prichard, WV, Ann Beverly Wentworth of Fond du Lac, and Jeff Wentworth of Rothchild, 28 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren, many other relatives and dear friends. She is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Bill Hardy, a grandson, Chris Steele, and an infant son. The funeral service for Jo will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, at First Baptist Church, Waupaca (1500 Roman Road). Visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Friday, February 11th, at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Weyauwega, and again at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. The family would like to thank Theda Care Hospice for their excellent care the past two weeks, and also Dr. Warren Witkowski for his care and kindness shown to Mom. We would especially like to thank Pat Ritchie, and other neighbors who shared their concern and care for many years. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Fund or Waupaca Pregnancy Info Ctr.