Joanne 'Jo' Mahoney, 87

Joanne “Jo” Marlene (Koslucher) Mahoney, 87, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025. She was born on Sept. 23, 1937, in Hibbing, Minnesota.

Jo was preceded in death by her father Frank Koslucher, mother Julia Mestek Koslucher, brothers Jerry Koslucher and Dale Koslucher and husband John Mahoney. 

She is survived by numerous friends, brother Jeff Koslucher; niece and namesake Katie Jo Koslucher Karlow (Brian); “grandkids” Brady and Casey Peiffer; companion Bill Miller and nieces and nephews. She always loved her children, Scott, Sheryl and Laurie as well as all her students that she taught over the years. 

Jo was a one-of-a-kind, award-winning teacher, teaching everything from home economics to all the early levels of elementary school at Somers, Lakeside, and Evergreen elementary schools. The energy one experienced when they entered her room was purely positive excitement. Jo was everyone’s favorite teacher; she would get invited to weddings of her second graders 39 years after they were in her class. Additionally, Jo was a talented pianist, often playing without music. She played at Risen Christ and Lakeside chapel regularly. Jo was a true artist, not only on the piano but also with her oil and watercolor paintings, her cooking and baking, her knitting and beadwork, and her entertaining. Jo was full of life and never one to sit still, whether she was golfing, walking, traveling, reading, planning a gathering, dancing, participating with PEO Chapter C, or one of her other hobbies, Jo was always smiling. She had a huge heart, always taking care of her students, her family, her neighbors, and those in need. 

Jo will forever be remembered for her love of life, her excitement, and her love of others. She will be missed. A funeral service will be held on Oct. 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Risen Christ Church in Kalispell and a celebration of life at 3:30 p.m. at Village Greens Community Center.