Jo Ann Hicks Lindauer-Class of 1951

Nov. 10, 1933–Nov. 8, 2014

Age: 80

Residence: Greeley

Jo Ann (Hicks) Lindauer passed away peacefully Nov. 8, 2014, at Fairacres Manor in Greeley. Jo was born Nov. 10, 1933, in Aberdeen, Wash., to LuVern and Edith Hicks.

The daughter of a Methodist minister, Jo was raised in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Nebraska. She graduated summa cum laude from both McCook High School, in McCook, Neb., and Kearney State Teacher’s College in Kearney, Neb., with majors in theater and English and minors in music and history. Jo was a member of PEO for over 60 years, belonging to Chapter EZ of Greeley. Jo taught English at Ogallala High School, in addition to providing private voice lessons. She married Donald Lindauer in Ogallala in September 1959. They were married 47 years, until Don’s death in January 2007.

Jo moved to Fort Collins in 1966, where she founded the Methodist Youth Foundation, (MYF), and directed multiple theater productions. She then moved to Fort Morgan, in 1971, where she taught at the community college. In 1975, she moved to Greeley, where Jo continued private voice lessons and founded the Agape Players of Greeley, directing multiple productions for over 20 years. She taught at Aims Community College and directed productions in Longmont and Fort Collins.

Jo viewed her volunteer time, as all of her life’s work, as her ministry and life purpose. She was committed to including and empowering all individuals who desired to participate, creating self-confidence, strength and performance skills. Jo was a teacher and leader, and foundational builder of the human spirit. Many of Jo’s students followed the dreams she inspired to build professional careers in the arts, which include stars of Broadway.

Jo is survived by her children, son, Jeffrey Lindauer and daughter-in-law, Jaime Lindauer of San Francisco, Calif.; grandson, Jackson; daughter, Jill Lindauer and son-in-law, Steve Hale of Houston, Texas, and grandchildren, Brooke, Carter, Krista and Becka; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dick and Leta Lindauer of Brule, Neb., and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Walt and Marilyn Goltl of Evergreen, Colo., and beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Jo’s life is planned for Jan. 3, 2015, at a venue to be announced. Just as Jo would want, her family welcomes anyone who would like to be involved. Please bring your singing voice.