Joe Ann "Jodi"'s Obituary
Joe Ann “Jodi” McClean-Niemeyer passed away in the early morning hours of October 28, 2022, in her home in Monarch, MT.
Jodi was born in Anaconda, MT on August 17, 1935, to Mildred and Raymond McClean. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1953. After several years of attending college at the University of Montana, she met and married James W. Stewart in Havre, MT. Jodi and Stu moved to Great Falls a few years later with their three children, Jamie, Joan, and Jill. In 1967, Jodi started her career with the United States Forest Service.
She began a new chapter in her life when she moved to Coeur d'Alene, ID in 1981. This was the beginning of many new adventures for Jodi. She learned to sail and refurbished her first sailboat. Jodi also pursued many new interests such as photography and travel, which combined her love of experiencing new things and enjoying the beauty of nature. She continued her career with the Forest Service at Coeur d’Alene National Forest, Colville National Forest, and McCall National Forest. In the early 90s, Jodi transferred to the San Francisco Regional Office. There she purchased and lived on her sailboat the “New Horizon,” which her grandchildren remember fondly.
Jodi retired to Monarch, MT in 2004 with her late husband, Joel Niemeyer. She then began the next chapter in her busy life of remodeling the “cabin” and pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling. She proudly graduated from Great Falls University in 2015 at the young age of 78. When she wasn’t studying, she could be found in her greenhouse gardening, tending to her flowers, and enjoying the outdoors.
The last chapter of Jodi’s full life included endless hours of volunteer work with numerous non-profits in the Great Falls community including CASA, Kiwanis Club, Exchange Club, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for Toby’s House Crisis Nursery. Jodi had an immense desire to help those in need, and she made a great impact on the Great Falls community.
Jodi loved her family and time spent at the “cabin” together with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always up for a new adventure and loved learning new things. She will be remembered for her spunky personality, giving heart, and love of the beauty in life.
She is survived by her three children, Jamie (Marolyn) Stewart, Joan (Mike) Anderson, and Jill (Billy) Stewart; as well as five grandchildren, Nikita, Jenni, Casey, Cole, and Gabi; and 8 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at the Neihart Senior Center on November 19, 2022, at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Toby’s House Crisis Nursery.
