Johanna Rettinger Bockoven

Johanna Rettinger Bockoven, 72, of Des Moines passed away Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. A visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Laufersweiler Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 5:00 PM. Burial will be at a later date. Jo was born on March 18, 1947 in Vienna, Austria. In 1956, the family immigrated to the United States. They first lived in Mason City and then later Fort Dodge in 1958. Johanna graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1965. She then attended Iowa State University (Zoology) where she met and married Terry Murray. They had a daughter, Cathy. After their divorce Jo moved back to Fort Dodge to pursue her nursing degree at Iowa Central and later met Jeff Bockoven. The two were united in marriage on September 1, 1988 and moved to Des Moines in 1989. She later attended Grand View University and Drake University where she received her A.R.N.P. For 31 years Jo enjoyed working at Iowa Lutheran Hospital and also taught at DMACC/Marshalltown Community College for several years. She made the best cheese cake, deviled eggs, stuffed peppers, homemade applesauce, and green bean casseroles, among other delicacies. No family gathering ever left anyone (including the pets) hungry. Her greatest joys were spending time with her most favorite, awesome family members; caring for her dozens of plants; loving on her furbabies; and generally loving life. There wasn't a holiday the family didn't celebrate. Jo is survived by her husband, Jeff Bockoven of Des Moines; daughter, Cathy Murray of Indianola; step-children, Candi Hughes, Cary Bockoven, and Cory Bockoven; brother, George Rettinger of Denver, CO; and nephews, Stewart Rettinger of San Francisco, CA and Erich Rettinger of Denver, CO; along with several cousins, furbabies, and friends (especially her bestie - Susan Moeller). She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Gisela (Basaraba) Rettinger, brother Peter Rettinger, and numerous furry children. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Visitation Sat, Jan 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Funeral Sat, Jan 11, 2020 at 5:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501