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Mary Jo Hessel (Licht)
  
Mary Jo Licht, 69, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Unity Point-Finley Hospital.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Dubuque, and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page. Private visitation will be at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared with family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com . Floral arrangements and gifts may be delivered to the funeral home on Tuesday by noon.
Mary Jo was born June 24, 1950 in Dubuque, the daughter of Ralph and Inelda (Armbruster) Hessel. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Mary Jo spent her junior high and high school years being irritated by “the chubby kid in the green coat always late for the bus”, also known as Terry Licht. The tides eventually turned in his favor, and on April 19, 1971, they were married.
Mary Jo was employed as a bookkeeper at Myers-Cox, Hartig, and Walgreens. She was a longtime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Mary Jo loved to play cards and spend time with her ladies card club. Holy Ghost Bingo was a favorite of hers, because they had the best hot dogs and popcorn. Her friends were important to her, and she loved going out to eat with them. Her grandkids were the light of her life, and she loved being a full time grandma.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 49 years, Terry; three children, Eli (Sara) Licht, Courtney (Troy) Smith, and Jud (Paula) Licht, all of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Taylor, Cole, Wyatt, Reed, and Tanner Licht, Owen, Drew, Tate, and Emme Smith, and Teddy and Oliver Licht; her great grandchildren, Raymond, Dawn, Mary and Lily; two sisters-in-law, Karen Hessel and Karen Samuelson; her nieces and nephews, Kim (Brian) Pantier, Chad (Amy) Hessel, Scott Sawvel, Tammy (Mike) Nolan, Laura (Kevin) Spoerl, and Mariah (Andrew) Wallace; and many friends, including her best friend, Sharon Bakewell and her Bingo Buddy, Linda Rogers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Randy and Dale Hessel; her parents-in-law, Don, Arlene, and Marjie Licht; her nephews, Jay and Kenny; and her brother-in-law, Gary Licht.
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Linda Ann Christopherson (Ganshirt)
Dear Terry, Sharon and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. But knowing Mary Jo, she filled your hearts with love that will give you strength at this time. She was genuinely a gentle, kind and supportive friend whose infectious smile will endure!
Grateful to have known Mary Jo, Linda Christopherson
Brenda Diane Leib (McChristy-Boetel)
My sympathies to Mary Jo's family. Mary Jo was a delight and everyone loved seeing her sweet smile.
Pamela Breiner (Schumacher)
Mary Jo, we've been friends since we were kids at church, been to your house on Lemon street often since it was right next to my cousins, and our parents were frds. We reconnected via reunions and fb and I enjoyed every min of chatting with you. You are one of the kindest souls I've ever known. Soft-spoken, supportive, positive and a friend to all you meet. My condolences to Terry and family and Sharon and anyone else who loved and will miss you. God bless and RIP.Patsy Regene Smith (Ball)
I have such fond memories of MaryJo. She was always so friendly and interested in others lives! She and Terry were meant for each other forever. Rest In Peace sweet girl. ♥️
Patsy and Bill Ball
Joyce Marie Bradfield (Kaping)
My condolences are extended to Terry, the children, grandchildren, and her dear friend Sharon for the loss of such a loving and lovely soul. Mary Jo's sweet smile and quiet demeanor sometimes masked a quick and wry wit that was unexpected ... as my husband found out on first meeting her! I am grateful that the friendship that started during our school years continued long after.