Mary Jo Harderson, the daughter of Harold and Norma (Lindell) Anderson was born May 20, 1949, in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at CHI Health Mercy, Corning, Iowa, at the age of 73 years, 1 month and 6 days.

Mary Jo was raised in Montgomery County, Iowa, near the Wallin area. She graduated from Stanton High School in 1967, and attended Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, Nebraska, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. Mary Jo later earned her master's degree from UNO, Omaha, Nebraska. She began her teaching career with the Corning School District, Corning, Iowa, in 1972. On July 20, 1974, Mary Jo was united in marriage to Charles F. Harderson in Red Oak, and they made Corning their home. She taught a total of 32 years in Corning, with their reading program, kindergarten and first grade classes. Mary Jo was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Corning, where she taught Sunday school and was active in the LWML groups. She helped at the desk for the Corning Fitness Center and was also a precinct election worker. Mary Jo enjoyed cross-stitch handwork, genealogy, reading, playing board games with her grandsons, and was active with the family farm.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Norman and his wife, Becky Anderson; and brother-in-law, Dennis Harderson.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Charles Harderson of Corning, IA; three children: Sarah (Matthew) Bidne of Metamora, IL, John Harderson of Waterloo, IA and Joel Harderson and significant other, Miki Greenlee of Maryville, MO; two grandsons: Conner and Allen Bidne; brothers: Eldon (Mary) Anderson of Ft. Wayne, IN and Wayne (Peggy) Anderson of Lemoore, CA; and sister, Elaine (Patrick) Gregory of Omaha, NE; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held

Saturdy, July 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

At Redeemer Lutheran Church, Corning, IA

Burial in the Tabor Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Montgomery County, IA at 2:00 p.m

Rev. Philip Ritter, Officiating

Visitation with the family present on Friday evening at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made in Mary Jo's name for future family designation.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Red Oak, Iowa