Jo Ann Olinger, 92, Ferdinand
Jo Ann Olinger, 92, of Ferdinand, passed away surrounded by family on September 14, 2026 at Scenic Hills at the Monastery in Ferdinand.
Jo Ann was born in Ferdinand on December 28, 1933, to Anthony and Edwina (Lueken) Peters.
She married Irenus Olinger on September 12, 1953, at St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, and he preceded her in death on June 9, 1981.
Jo Ann was a graduate of the Academy of Immaculate Conception, Class of 1951. In addition to working on the farm with her husband, Jo Ann also worked at Santa Claus Land, Schreiner’s IGA, and retired after 27 years at the Abbey Press.
She belonged to Christ the King Parish, St Ferdinand Church and its St. Anne’s Sodality, Ferdinand American Legion Auxiliary, and volunteered at Scenic Hills for 20 years. In her free time, Jo Ann enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, and spending time with her family.
Jo Ann is survived by her three children, Ruth (John) Bickel of Newburgh, Geralyn (John) Gregory of Newburgh, Terry (Susan) Olinger of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren, Meghan Carroll, Allison Myers, Aaron Bickel, Audrey Bickel, Ryan Gregory, Chris Gregory, Angela Kohn and Lee Olinger; 17 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Arlene Olinger of Ferdinand; brothers, Eugene (Charlene) Peters of St. Meinrad and David Peters of Fulda; sister, Mary (Allan) Rowlett of Muncie; sister-in-laws, Pearline Peters of Ferdinand, Judy Peters of Newburgh, and Janie Dilger of Mariah Hill.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Irenus; son Mark Olinger; brothers, Kenneth and Daniel Peters; and a sister, Clara Mae Hagedorn.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST at St. Ferdinand Church in Ferdinand, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. EST to 8:00 p.m. EST on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand, and again on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. EST to 9:30 a.m. EST at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand.
Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand has been entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.
