Jeannette “Jo” Josephine (McCabe) Kahr

         Jeanette “Jojo” Kahr, 92, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024.

     Jojo was born on April 2,1932 in Chicago, IL. She was the only daughter to George and Josephine McCabe and grew up with her three older brothers, Charles, John, and George. Along the way, she met the love of her life, Rodney Kahr, that was when the party really started.

     Jojo and Rod were parents of 5 children and raised them on the northshore of Chicago and Sister Bay, Wisconsin. Together, they were connoisseurs of adventure. Jojo watched and supported Rod with sailing races from Chicago to Mackinaw and Florida to Cuba and so many in between with cocktail parties and endless dancing affairs shared with so many great friends over the years. Before she was married, JoJo was an American Airlines stewardess flying out of Chicago and boy she was a knockout! And life really never settled down from there. As parents, Jojo and Rod were fortunate enough to take their kids skiing, sailing, and everything in between. The two partners in crime peaked in life when they purchased “The Farm.”

     The Farm, set just outside of idyllic Sister Bay, quickly became part of the family. As the proud new owners the pair got right to work. As Rod made the transition from sailing life, he sold the boat and bought old farm equipment to immerse himself in the Farm and Jojo helped with all the projects the two of them dreamt up. From planting and harvesting soybeans to caring for all the horses, goats, pigs, chickens, geese and dogs in addition to the 5 children - all lived on the farm; Jojo was brave and fearless when it came to fun all while managing two households.

     As the kids grew up, Jojo continued to be an exceptional hostess. She & Rod were known for hosting hot wine & chili parties which involved a pot of chili always ready on the stove for everyone in the county to enjoy while Rod led the impromptu pond hockey in the back 40. It wasn't uncommon to have strangers reminisce over 20 years later about being at her holiday pond parties. Many of these individuals she wouldn’t even remember, but in her mind the more the merrier and that only added to the fun.

     She was a lover of everyone, but especially her family. One of her favorite activities included sunsets on the water at JJ’s with a margarita in hand holding court with all of her family members. She cherished the numerous trips down to St. Simon’s Island with all her kids that continued to grow throughout her lifetime. She loved the visits from her hostess granddaughters at Al Johnson’s as she worked in the Butik with some of her best friends, and where she sold her beloved caramels, too! She adored watching her grandchildren play basketball, football, and attended every band event. Every winter season you could find just about everyone in our large family with a pair of her famous hand knit slippers on their feet courtesy of Jojo.

     Jojo loved her family, but equally cherished her friendships. You could always find her with her lifelong best friends Lolo Stanley, Tudy Ekman, and Marion Barkley and in their later years when not in close proximity you could always hear them on the phone together. In the summer months, you’d find her with her cherished hiking group friends, Al’s Butik ladies and Bargains crew too! She also remained close with her high school friends that she adored and would see every summer.

     She was an active woman throughout her life. She frequented Bargains where she worked as a volunteer. This is also where she’d find new outfits for just about everyone, but notably her son, Rex. She continued to have countless projects around the farm. She collected antique furniture and enjoyed refinishing so many amazing pieces over the years and organizing for the next great garage/barn sale. One of her favorite activities was caring for the numerous family dogs, from “Henry” her golden doodle to “Rambo” the 180 lb. St. Bernard who she gained a special friendship with in her final years. The dogs loved their “Gramms”.

     Jojo was a lot of things, but most of all she was one of the most thoughtful, kind, and unselfish people you’d ever meet. Her house was open to everyone. She was quick to listen. She always had a smile for everyone she met with her signature bright rosy red cheeks, even strangers in the aisles at the grocery store. She never missed a birthday. She was never overwhelmed by a busy house, only overjoyed to have so many people around. If you know our family, you know we will never be the same with the loss of our matriarch, but we all feel so incredibly proud and lucky to have her in our lives.

     She passed away peacefully on the farm, surrounded by her children and grandchildren who offered the utmost caretaking in her final years.

     She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her five children, Rex Kahr, Gigi Kahr, Britt (Michael) Maltby, Suzy (Joel) Dykman, Michael (Veronica) Kahr, daughter in-law Jayne; sister in-law Donna Smith, nephew Peter (Mary) McKenna; grandchildren Ally, Morgan and Delaney Dykman, Max, Eliza and Marshall Maltby, Jake, Shelby and Sam Kahr, and a host of friends.

     Jojo will be missed so very much by all of us but I’m sure Rod met her at the gates of heaven with all of their friends and “bongo” drums to serenade her in! Let the party in heaven begin - Jojo is here!

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