Jo Bartholomew

Jo Bartholomew, age 66 of Menomonie, WI passed away at her home on December 13, 2025 at 3:15p.m.

She was born on July 24, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of George and Hazel (Green) Bartholomew.

Growing up, the family took many trips; her parents thought that was the best way for their girls to learn.

Jo graduated from Lake Forest Academy in 1977. After high school, she traveled through Europe before returning to the States to spend five months in Hawaii before she ran out of money and returned home with 47 cents and a Payday candy bar.

She attended community college and earned her associate degree in nursing. She worked at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, TN, for 20 years. At their 25th class reunion, Jim & Jo announced to their classmates that they were getting married (they dated briefly in high school). She was united in marriage to Jim Kernan on November 29, 2003. They moved to Menomonie, and Jo continued her career at Luther Hospital for another 20 years until she was forced to retire due to the illness that ultimately took her home to her father, who was waiting at the gate to greet her and welcome her with open arms.

Jo accomplished so much in her life and beat the odds more than once. She was an inspiration and confidant to all who loved her and will be remembered always.

She is survived by her husband Jim, sister Judy, and Stark, the Bernese Mountain Dog. She is further survived by many friends and family that she held so dear.

Special thanks to Palliative Care personnel; Marcy, her therapist; Natalia, her NP; and St. Croix Hospice — Angela and Kayla.

McKenna Thomas was her daily caretaker. They became special friends. As her Preceptor, Candy Morgan, did for her, she took Kenna under her wing, offered guidance and her wisdom to help her on her way towards a nursing career. Experienced nurses know when they’ve found another — she knew — Kenna will be a special one.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com