Mary Jo Watson

Mary Jo Watson

1947 – 2024

BATTLE CREEK - Mary Jo Watson, 77, of Battle Creek, took her Savior’s hand on Thursday, May 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Battle Creek.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in her honor at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Crawford Creek Shelter House of rural Battle Creek. Rev. Ken Miller will share words of faith and comfort. Family requests that all attend bring a lawn chair and a hot dish, side dish or dessert (potluck style) to share in fellowship immediately following the Celebration of Life Service. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family at 400 Elm Street Battle Creek, IA 51006.

This is not your ordinary obituary because Mary Jo Watson was extraordinary. Born into this life on March 25, 1947, in Battle Creek. As a child, Mary Jo developed unshakable faith and a passion for everything musical. From mixed chorus, girl’s glee, marching band, pep band, ensemble, to her true love the piano. Mary Jo touched many lives with her God given gift of music.

With a heart of gold, Mary Jo always made time to listen to those around her. She found solace on the front porch of her home taking in wildlife, sunsets, a cup of coffee or a good book. Mary Jo loved a good thunderstorm and listening to the music of rain drops as they fell from the sky.

A believer in true love, Mary Jo married the love of her life Larry Wayne Watson on Sept. 2, 1967, in the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. They welcomed two blessings, daughters Tammy Jo and Marci. Later, the couple were elated to earn the titles grandma and grandpa to five grandchildren: Ashlyn, Logan, Chase, Breezy, and Lexi. These grandchildren brought Mary Jo pure joy and she treasured every moment spent with them.

The Rock of her family, Mary Jo will be remembered fondly for her sense of humor, laughter that could fill a room, an animal lover (especially her cats), devotion to her Lord and Savior, compassion for mankind, and the music that she shared from her beautiful soul.

Those left to cherish her memory are her soulmate Larry Watson of Battle Creek; daughters Tammy Jo Ryan of Waterloo, and Marci (Tom Zanter) Watson of La Crosse, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Ashlyn Ryan and Logan Ryan of Waterloo, Chase (fiancée Madi Zika) Ryan of Waverly, Breezy Ryan of Evansdale, and Lexi Zanter of La Crosse, Wisconsin; brothers Henry Glen (Dixie) Brueck, of Holstein, and Robert (Cindy Tyler) Brueck of Camdenton, Missouri; sister-in-law Betty Meyer of Odebolt; brother-in-law Roger (Karen) Watson of Ida Grove; extended family and a host of dear friends.

Welcoming her into her eternal home are her parents John Henry and Violet “Dawn” (Elderkin) Brueck, Jr.; parents-in-law Clarence and Alberta Watson; brother-in-law Clarence, Jr. (Sandy) Watson; Verlyn Meyer.

Services: May 29, Crawford Creek Shelter House of rural Battle Creek

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home • Battle Creek • 712-365-4446