JoElla E. “Joker” Stromberg

JoElla E. “Joker” Stromberg, 67, of Columbus, formerly of Polk, passed away peacefully on Monday,April 22, 2024 at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Columbus. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Polk Cemetery with Minister Jerry Bady officiating. A time of fellowship will be held at the Polk Community Hall immediately following the graveside service at the cemetery.

JoElla was born on August 1, 1956 in Stromsburg to Rolland and Elaine (Petersen) Stromberg. She was named after her 2 grandmothers, Josephine and Ella.

At age 8, she was in an automobile accident that left her partially paralyzed. Joker was baptized and confirmed in the Polk United Methodist Church. She was an Easter Seals Child in 1968 and then graduated from Polk High School in 1975. She was given the nickname “Joker” at a young age, which was very appropriate since she had a good sense of humor, to help her throughout her life.

When Joker lived in Stromsburg at Swede Haven, she had fun riding her little rascal around town with stops along the way to visit friends. On weekends she would mow the yard at the farm, then ride uptown on the lawn mower to mow and stop by Sportsman’s Bar for a pop and burger. For the last 20 years Joker lived at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Columbus where she enjoyed visiting with the staff and residents and tried to “keep them in line”. She was such a funny and outgoing person and loved to tell jokes. She also enjoyed playing games, especially bingo and cards. Doing crafts was also a favorite of hers and loved listening to music. Singing was probably her most favorite thing to do and could always be counted on to start up a song. She will be dearly missed by all.

Joker is survived by her brother, Dave and his wife Carol of Polk, her nieces and nephews, Brian (Lindsay) Chessmore of Neola, IA,Aaron Chessmore of VA, Haley (Jake) Blackburn of Stromsburg and Lacey (Special friend Craig Donelson) of Polk. Great nieces and nephews, Athan and Aletha Chessmore of Neola, IA and Jayda and Baylee Chessmore of Elgin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rolland and Elaine Stromberg.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later time. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral. com.