Joanna Gager

Joanna (Jo) Gager

1935 - 2023

Joanna (Jo) Gager of Wheat Ridge, CO went home to be with her Lord Jesus on July 19, 2023. She passed quietly at home, finding her final rest during her sleep.

Jo was born on August 16, 1935, in Denver, CO. Her parents were John Sr. and Francis Bandimere. She was the oldest of three children (John Jr. and David). She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Richard D. Gager.

As her parents spent much of their time managing the family auto parts business, Jo spent much of her time managing the household and her two younger brothers. She attended Wheat Ridge High School, graduating in 1953.

One night at a church roller skating party in 1950, a boy from North Federal Baptist and a girl from Rocky Mountain Lake Baptist met each other. After a few subsequent 'meetings' they realized they were meant for each other and the rest, as they say, is history.

Their history included over 66 years of a happy and eventful marriage, and a family with three sons, fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Besides raising her three sons, (Rick, Randy and Russ), Jo helped her father and brothers as they embarked on the journey of founding and running a racetrack. For many years she operated the concession stand and later helped start the racetrack souvenir shop. Jo was also known for her love of food. She loved preparing it, sharing it and enjoying it. This led to her involvement in catering special events for her family and others as word of her culinary skills spread. As if all this did not keep her busy enough, she was also an Avon representative for forty years, from 1983 until she passed in 2023. She earned several Mrs. Albie awards for top sales.

Being a member of a racing family, it's no surprise speed was in her blood. Raising six boys throughout her lifetime, (two brothers, a husband and three sons), it's no surprise she developed a love for sports. She spent many hours watching Rich play softball and her sons play whatever sport was in season. She eventually became the scorekeeper for some of their games. She also loved to attend games in which her grand kids and great-grand kids played. Her presence and support were always obvious as she was not shy about letting her voice be heard, cheering and sharing her views on the game. She could also be heard loudly supporting the Broncos on a Sunday afternoon.

Jo grew up attending Rocky Mountain Lake Baptist church and later attended Beth Eden Baptist Church with her family. She served many years in various capacities as long as it involved providing food. Her idea of serving others often meant feeding them. Her greatest joy, however, was being around her Cubbies. This was a class for three- and four-year-olds that met on Wednesday nights. She really loved her Cubbies! Jo had a true servant's heart that resulted from her faith in Christ and her love for God.

Jo will be greatly missed by her family, her church family and close friends and neighbors. The sorrow that her departure has caused is overcome by the comfort of knowing that she has been received into the joy of the Lord and reunited with her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Beth Eden School Student Scholarship Fund in the name of Jo Gager. (She would love that!)