Josie was a graduate of the Academy of Notre Dame. She retired from the Cahokia school district as a special needs preschool educator. She was the published author of three children’s books and also volunteered for Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred and Emma, nee Kirchhoefer, Hoelscher; and her first husband, David Groh.
She is survived by a sister, Ann (Ron) Auer of St. Louis, MO;
two nephews, Michael (Angie) Salaman of Mt. Vernon, IN, and Neal (Dianne) Collins of St. Louis, MO;
three nieces, Tracy (Michael) Unger of St. Louis, MO, Amanda Auer of St. Louis, MO, and Lindsey (Michael) Munnelly of St. Louis, MO;
a longtime companion, Denny Weiss of Collinsville, IL;
11 great-nieces and great-nephews;
her family of furry four-legged, feathered, and fairy friends;
and many other cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo, 9906 Illinois Highway 15, Nashville, IL 62263. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Memorial Service: A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Gene Neff officiating.