Johanna K. Nicodem

Johanna K. Nicodem (Jo), 95, of St. Charles, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 17, 2022. She was born on August 18, 1927, in Chicago, where she spent her growing up years enjoying swimming, tennis, and gymnastics. Jo married Frank D. Nicodem Sr. on August 30, 1946, at Midwest Bible Church, and the couple made their home in Chicago. They later moved to the suburb of Mt. Prospect and raised four children (along with numerous cats and dogs). 

Jo was a stay-at-home mom during her kids' pre-college years, but when they went away to school, she returned to the workforce as an executive assistant. She served the presidents of World Relief and National Association of Evangelicals in that role. Jo was an expert at bringing organization out of chaos and could type at lightning speed. 

In 1978, Jo and Frank moved to St. Charles, where Frank became a homebuilder. It was here that they joined five other families in launching Christ Community Church, which has grown to thousands of attendees on five campuses. In the early days of the church, Jo directed the drama ministry. She was also passionate about visiting newcomers and sharing the Good News of Jesus with them. But her favorite niche of ministry was always prayer. Jo loved to intercede before God on behalf of her family, her church, and people with needs. 

Jo is survived by her four children: Frank Jr; Kathy (John); Jim (Sue); and Debbie (Sean). Jo delighted in her grandchildren: Frank III (Lyndsey); Jennie; Chad (Elissa); Jocelyn (Todd); Jordan; Tyler (Lana); Emily (Adam); Rachel (Jameson); Andrew (Marianne); Jak (Azalia); Benjamin (Emily), as well as 20 great-grandchildren. 

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and by three siblings. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00 pm, Monday, November 28, 2022, in the chapel of Christ Community Church on Bolcum Rd. in St. Charles. Visitation will be from 3:30-5:00 pm at the church prior to the funeral. A private interment and committal will be in Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jo Nicodem to Christ Community Church's mission partner in Bangladesh. Please make checks payable to "Christ Community Church" with the memo line designated as "Jo Nicodem Memorial," or you can give online at ccclife.org/memorial.