Josephine Ann Metcalf Krug Kesser, age 102, of Fairfield Glade, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 9, 2024.

She was born August 4, 1921, in Franksville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Roy C. and Effie Metcalf. She was the youngest of three, with two older brothers, Bill and Jack. She grew up in Franksville and graduated from Union Grove High School. She went to their reunions and was the last survivor of her graduating class.

Joann met Lyle Krug while singing in a band where Lyle played the saxophone and clarinet. They got married in 1943 and lived in Racine, Wisconsin. They had two sons, Jeffrey and Brian. They were married for 39 years until Lyle died in 1983.

She worked many years in the business office at the J.C. Penney store in Racine. She loved to listen to Big Band music and played golf when she had the chance. She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and their children who knew her as Gram. She proudly supported them and celebrated their accomplishments. She was fun-loving, and energetic, enjoyed meeting new people, loved playing games, and was always open to a new adventure.

In 1988, while on a trip to Tennessee to visit her cousins, she met Charles Kesser. They were married the following November, and she moved to Fairfield Glade. The two of them traveled the world and shared countless adventures. She became “Grandma Jo” to Chuck’s grandchildren, and he became “Gramps” to hers. When they were home, she enjoyed fishing off their dock and playing lots of golf.

She is survived by her husband: Charles Kesser of Fairfield Glade; son: Jeffrey Krug (Marline) of Geneva, Illinois; grandsons: Timothy Krug (Deborah) of Rockford, Illinois, and Reverend Steven Krug (Whitney) of Janesville, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren: Rachel, Brynn, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Daniel, Sawyer, and Isaac; daughter-in-law: Becky Krug and her children, Ryan Burrow (Maruska), Susan Jorgensen (Jason), Eric Burrow (Shawna); and eight great-grandchildren.

She is survived by Charles’s children: Ed Kesser (Barbara), Sue Thompson (Charlie), Mary Ann Smith (Jim), Cathy Thorp (Lewis), and John Kesser (Christine); grandchildren: Beth, Mark, David, Matt, Katie, Brian, Matt, Jennifer, Emily, Sarah, Daniel, Tamara, Theresa; and 27 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband: Lyle Krug; brothers: Bill and Jack Metcalf; and son: Brian Krug.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 18, 2024. The service will begin at 11 a.m. at the South Street Campus of Chapel Street Church in Geneva, Illinois. Pastor Steve Krug will officiate. The doors to the church will open by 10:30 a.m. with family members present. Following the service, a luncheon will be served. Instead of flowers, donations to Samaritan’s Purse would be appreciated.

Obituary by Hood Funeral Home in Crossville.