March 17, 1935 – July 28, 2022 (age 87)
A lover of warm, sunny days, it was only fitting that Jo Ann Stirland Horlacher passed away peacefully as the sun set on the hot summer night of Thursday, July 28th, 2022.
Jo Ann, or JoAnn, or Jo-Ann, depending on the day, lived a full and happy life. Born on March 17th, 1935, to Christian and Pearl Stirland of Providence, Utah, Jo Ann spent her youth working on her family farm by “tromping hay”, riding her favorite horse, Smokey, and moving the cattle from field to field. She was also an avid softball player and was known for her wickedly fast throwing from the outfield.
When she graduated from High School, she prepared to take ownership of Steeds Dairy Barn when she met and fell head-over-heels (and into a ditch) in love with Donniel Horlacher. The two were married in December 1953 in the Logan, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They spent the first several decades of their marriage in Logan, raising a family while tending to the family business, Horlacher’s Fine Meats.
Mom was known by family and friends for her faith, entertaining and cooking skills, and love of serving her community. She volunteered at Logan Hospital for several years and held many callings as a member of her church.
During retirement, Mom and Dad spent their time chasing the sun. Whether it was the cabin at Bear Lake, or in Hawaii, they were always near the warmth and water. Wanting to be close to family, they moved to Meridian, Idaho and grandma’s love (some call it obsession) of sports and supporting the grandkids at their events blossomed. Most weekends, up until almost the end, she could be found shouting at the referees in her gentle yet feisty voice or calling her sons or grandsons to find out the time and channel for college football, basketball, or the Little League World Series.
Jo Ann is preceded in death by her eternal companion, her parents, sisters Ortel and Cora, brothers Bern and Mead, and son Cole.
She is survived by her children, Gina Hazen, Rori (Brent) Hadley, Derk (Julie), Zann, and Jody (Roger) Pukahi, 22 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 1: 00 PM on Friday, August 5th at the Logan City Cemetery.
A viewing will be held prior from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Allen-Hall Mortuary (34 E. Center Street, Logan, UT).
The graveside service will be live streamed and can be viewed via the below link (password: Holacher)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87320275110?pwd=dEs5ZEV3cndRMFRXcGZZTVBFWUdmUT09
In honor of Mom, we ask all to take the time to watch a sunset or perform an act of service for someone they love.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.