Jo Ann Strasburg
July 2, 1944 ~ August 6, 2025
Jo Ann Brown Strasburg, 81, of Gainesville, Florida passed away August 6, 2025. A wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jo is survived by her husband of 61 years, Otto, her son, Jeff (Janice) and daughter Karen Gillette (Gary), her grandchildren Austin (Sandy), Amber, and Jackson Gillette, her step-grandchildren Matt, Beth, and Katie Soeder, and her step-great-grandson Riley Soeder.
While Jo worked a variety of jobs during her career, including coin shop sales associate and legal secretary, her main professional role was teaching. Despite that not being her first choice – she originally wanted to work as a French translator – she excelled in the classroom and taught in programs for gifted students in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Later in life, Jo transitioned into teaching English as a Second Language, primarily for international students attending McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
A citizen of the world and proud “millitary brat,” Jo was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and lived in various locations around the United States, as well France, Germany, and Vietnam during her childhood. She attended college at the University Wisconsin, Stevens Point (where she met Otto), and did graduate work at the University of West Florida and the University of Southern Mississippi. When the Vietnam War ended, Jo volunteered with the nearby camp for Vietnamese refugees in Northwest Florida, bringing both her compassion and knowledge of Vietnamese culture to her work there.
Jo loved the outdoors, and hiking, camping and picnicking with her family were among her favorite activities. She also loved to travel, and visited South Korea twice, as well as various parts of Europe and the South Pacific. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting with old friends and family throughout her trips.
Jo will be remembered as a fierce advocate for her family and students, a dedicated Episcopalian, and a loyal friend.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Strasburg family.
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Dear Otto & family,
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your sweet Jo. We had the pleasure of meeting and hosting you both in our home at Gillies by the Sea, Port Hood, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
May all your sweet memories give you consolation at this very sad time.
With fond memory, Francis & Catherine
Sending my best wishes to Mrs. Strasburg's family. Mrs. Strasburg (and Mr. Strasburg) had a profound impact on my life during my formative years, helping shape the person I am today. Her kindness, dedication, and curiosity toward education inevitably rubbed off on me as I pursued my studies all the way through my master’s degree. As young pupils grow up and lose touch, it is hard to fully measure the lasting influence she had on everyone she taught and mentored. I will forever be grateful for the impact the Strasburgs had on me and my family. My heartfelt condolences and best wishes go out to the family during this time of grieving.
My condolences and best wishes,
Chad Schexnayder
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Jo’s family and friends. Jo was the very first person I met in Lake Charles, and from that moment on, she became like a mother to me. She was someone I could trust, lean on, and share my unique life experiences with. I loved her dearly and will miss her more than words can express.
Otto,
I’ve very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family.
With sympathy
Sheryl Abshire
Dear Otto and family I am so sorry for your loss. Will sways carry Jo in my heart.
A dear friend for over 40 years, her compassion and empathy for others knows no boundaries. May the Lord receive her into His Glory that she may eternally reside in His presence.
My condolences to the family for your loss. Mrs Strasburg was my S.P.A.R.K teacher in Iowa, Louisiana. Have many special memories with her and our little group. R.I.P Mrs Strasburg ❤️
Dear Otto and family,
I’ll always remember the kindness that Jo (and you too Otto) showed me at St Andrew’s. Many happy memories.
May you be blessed with the peace that passes understanding.
Love, Pam
Otto and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have nice memories of serving with Jo in The Council for International Concerns, where she was President at one time. She was devoted to her students and had great rapport with them. May you all feel God's peace.
Love, Corliss
If I had to describe Jo Ann (NOT Joann, as she would let you know) in one word, it would be Advocate. She didn't just love. She didn't just support. She stood for a person's future, whether that person was ready to step into it or not. For her students, for her family, for the world. She changed my life as a student, as a friend, and as a parent. I can assure you, if it were not for her influence in my life, I would be a lesser person for it.
If I had to describe Jo Ann (NOT Joann, as she would let you know) in one word, it would be Advocate. Not just love. Not just support. She stood for their future, whether that person was ready to step into it or not. For her students, for her family, for the world. She changed my life as a student, as a friend, and as a parent. I can assure you, if it were not for her influence in my life, I would be a lesser person for it.
Dear Otto and family. I am sad to hear of Jo's passing. Like Corliss, I served with Jo on the Council for International Concerns. She was always a positive and delightful presence and contributed greatly to the Council's work on events and community outreach. She touched all of us greatly, and will be remembered with fondness by Maura and myself.
Today is the day of Jo's funeral! I always thought she would stay in the same place forever, but today is the last day! She was always so helpful in my 20s and 30s and helped me so much to get established in the US! I could not have gotten through my time in America without Jo! Letting her go today made me reflect on all that has happened! She was an amazing person and a wonderful person! May she shine like a star in heaven! And to her husband Otto, I want to say thank you for everything you've done!