Joanne (Jo) Frances Praetzel

Our much-loved Joanne (Jo) Frances Praetzel died in Bellingham on the evening of January 28th, 2025. A lifelong adventurer who loved traveling, camping, beaches, sailing, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family, she is deeply missed. Jo is survived by her daughters, Kimber and Jennifer, Jennifer’s partner, Laura, her grandsons Tristan and Trevor, and her granddaughter, Winter. She was predeceased by her husband Mike Praetzel, and her sister Janet Harris.

Born on March 15, 1937 to Frances Carver and Fred Knapman, Jo grew up in Bellingham, Washington with her parents and younger sister, Janet. Jo was an exceptional student and as a child sometimes spent time with her father on the campus of Western Washington University, where he chaired Western’s Chemistry Department, and later served as the Dean of the College of Science. From her parents, Jo learned to value education and curiosity about the world. Frances and Fred filled their home with books and conversation, and modeled respect for all people. Jo learned to embody all of these.

After graduating from Bellingham High School, Jo attended Whitman College on a scholarship. While there, she met and married Kenneth Langton, and together they had two daughters, Kimber and Jennifer. With their daughters, the young family lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and traveled widely - following work and adventure.

After divorcing, Jo returned to her studies and graduated in 1974 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a BA in Education. Jo became a skilled potter and joined a local guild, making hundreds of beautiful lamps, bowls, mugs, and plates, which she sold at farmers’ markets in Ann Arbor. During these years she met Michael Praetzel, and they returned, with Kimber and Jennifer, to Bellingham, where they lived on the Southside. Mike and Jo married in December of 1974.

In Bellingham, Jo enrolled at Western Washington University, earning her Master of Education degree in 1976, and then accepted a reading specialist position at Central Elementary School in Ferndale, WA. Throughout her career, Jo honed her pedagogical approach and teaching skills, and these, in combination with her unflagging commitment to children, allowed her not only to successfully teach students, but to form lasting relationships with them and their families. It was not uncommon for her former students to reach out to her decades later to express appreciation. Jo received a district teaching award and a recognition award from the Lummi Nation for her devotion to, and impact on, students.

Jo loved nothing more than her family. She was a particularly patient and wise parent, and a friend to her daughters in adulthood, raising them as strong feminists. Jo dearly loved her grandsons and great granddaughter, and played a pivotal role in their lives. She lived life fully and had a great sense of humor, encouraging the family to make music together. Often gathering for good food and drinks, lively conversation and games abounded. She laughed easily, and found joy with those she loved.

Jo was drawn to the ocean, and took pleasure in beachcombing and boating. The family enjoyed many hours on their 29-foot sailboat, the Aditi. She and Mike, often joined by family, sailed to beautiful and hidden coves around Matia and Sucia and in the Canadian San Juan Islands, where they would anchor for days to enjoy good food, read, play games, laugh, and row ashore to explore on foot. She believed - from Wind in the Willows - that “there is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

Jo was also a dedicated gardener who transformed her yard into a series of fragrant outdoor rooms brimming with blooms in blues, pinks, and purples, which were connected by meandering paths. Since she loved the saltwater, she spent her later life with Mike in a home of their own design with a view of the San Juan Islands.

Jo connected and had great tenderness for those in need of support, including strangers. She modeled volunteerism and held deep affection for young people and animals. She also understood the inequities of U.S. society and was convinced of the need for equal access to opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, ability, and spiritual beliefs. She was a liberal Democrat and a strong feminist. Before her career began, she volunteered her time in Ann Arbor with adults with multiple disabilities, the Vietnam War peace campaign, and the Girl Scouts, generously supporting many non-profit organizations over her lifetime.

A private celebration of life will be held in early September on Lopez Island. The family would like to thank The Cottage memory care staff at Highgate for their great care and compassion. Please consider donating to a cause such as Children of the Setting Sun or The National Humane Society, two of many organizations Jo supported wholeheartedly.