JoLynn Simmons Christensen

Jo (Jolynn) Simmons Christensen was an amazing woman with an indomitable spirit and loving heart that captured everyone who knew her. Jo passed away peacefully,early on the morning of April 22, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of and cherished memories for us all. She was 78.

Jo was born in Salt Lake City on October 15, 1945, and grew up in Magna, Utah. Jo is survived by long-time partner and wife, Sherri Cropper, son Kelly (Caley) grandchildren, Cassandra Jo Laker (Blake), Carter Allan (Emily), Cooper Faireld (Abigale) and Kamryn Janet (Mattie). Jo was the middle daughter among four siblings, a role she naturally embraced with grace, wisdom, fun and mischief. She is survived by her sisters, Frances Savington Whitmore (Jay), Vicky Simmons Balis (Jim), Collette Faust, and Lois Harmon and is preceded in death by sister Lyla Adams, her mother Thelma Simmons Benfel and father, Kirby F Simmons. Jo’s presence infused everyone’s heart with warmth, and her amazing sense of humor was a constant source of joy and fun for all who knew her. Children were particularly drawn to her. Jo was their size, and they were drawn to her magical personality, and shenanigans. When kids were dropped off for Jo to watch, the phrase, ”now that your parents are gone we can…..” was the beginning of a fantastic visit. Jo found life in laughter and love in caring.

Jo was a devoted mother to her son, Kelly, whom Jo and Sherri raised with boundless love. They taught him lessons of what it takes to be successful and happy in life unwaveringly. Her role as a mother, mother-in-law and grandmother brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment spent with Kelly and Caley, her grandchildren, and two great grandchildren from Cassie and Blake, Hudson and Jane. All of their lives were filled with love and laughter.

Jo and Sherri were peas and carrots, Yin and Yang, and Cagney and Lacey. Jo and Sherri loved getting involved with their family and extended family. They were 100% in with sports events, birthdays, holidays and any other reason to be involved with family and blazed a path of goodness. Jo always had her camera at family events clicking away with no one noticing until she produced amazing candid shots capturing love, connections and memories that will last forever.

A passionate adventurer, Jo had an insatiable thirst for exploration. She found solace in the vastness, the beauty, and the majesty of the world, traveling far and wide to immerse herself in new cultures and experiences. Jo never let her passport expire and was always ready for a cruise to Mexico or a walk down cobble stoned streets of antiquity in Germany. Jo embraced each adventure with enthusiasm and an infectious zest for life. She always longed for more.

Jo, Sherri and son Kelly long-time owned and managed Salt Lake City’s iconic fun Iceberg Drive Inn restaurant on 39 th south for 28 years. Nobody made malts and onion rings like Jo. Jo could whip a crew into shape in no time. Jo knew the principle of hard work, delivering quality, and maintaining consistency. She delivered a one-of-a-kind Iceberg experience.

Jo was an avid golfer and a skilled player of the slot machine. It always seemed those long putts just rolled in, and the slots paid out more for Jo than anyone else. Jo found great joy in the thrill of competition with Sherri and the camaraderie of anyone who wanted to join. Jo was always up for a night in Wendover with family and friends, but nothing surpassed her love of family, and the cherished moments spent joking and sharing stories over a BBQ or a round of golf.

Jo's passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew her, but her influence lives on in countless memories, and her goodness comes to life with all she touched. She will be remembered for her boundless love, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to family.

Jo’s memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. We miss you already Jo.

Funeral Services:
Peel Funeral Home
8525 W. Magna Main Street
Magna, Utah
Viewing: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday 1:30pm – 1:45pm
Funeral: Friday, April 26, 2024, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grave Side Service: 3:30 pm
Murray City Cemetery 5490 S. Vine St, Murray Utah