Jo Ellen Dooley

Jo Ellen Dooley was born on November 7, 1970, to Raymond “Eddie” and Lena (Little) Dooley in Malvern, Arkansas. She attended Bismarck High School, later obtaining her GED in Bismarck, Arkansas. Jo Ellen furthered her education at National Park Community College in Hot Springs, Arkansas where she studied accounting and criminal justice. She also studied online through the University of Phoenix.

Jo Ellen made her home in Ottertail, Minnesota. She worked at the Wadena County Assessor's office for over 15 years until stepping down due to health reasons. She loved to hunt and fish with her family, especially her dad. She grew up in the deer woods or on the riverbank with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors. Jo Ellen also loved crafting in her free time. She loved to make t-shirts and decorative wood signs with her vinyl machine. Jo Ellen always tried to look out for her family and help provide for them when they needed it. She had a big heart for helping others.

Preceding Jo Ellen in death are her parents: Raymond and Lena; brother: Raymond Dean Dooley; Grandparents: Joe and Ellen Little; and Troyce and Mildred Dooley; and aunts: Linda Lucas; and Amanda Mitchell.

Jo Ellen is survived by her companion and the love of her life of twenty years, Michael Zander and will be missed and remembered with love by Michael’s children and family including Brad (Kelly) Zander of Alexandria, Minnesota; Stephani (Troy) Sanford of Big Lake, Minnesota; Travis (Nora) Zander of Newport, Oregon; Jennifer (Mike) Stevens of Henning, Minnesota. Jo Ellen will also be missed by grandchildren: Ben, Bella, Ezra, Sophia, Addison, Milo, and Remi. Sister, Teresa Bragg, of Malvern, Arkansas; brother, Damon Dooley, of Park Rapids; Mother-in-law Carol Zander (fiancé Larry), brother-in-law Steve Zander, of England, brother-in-law Jim (Chris) Zander, brother-in-law Dave (Amy) Zander; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews whom she loved & enjoyed spending time with.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jo Ellen Dooley, please visit our floral store.