Jo Ann Walz

Jo Ann Walz, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Sebring, Florida, surrounded by her
family on October 15, 2025. She was born on January 20, 1942, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Jo Ann grew up in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School. She attended Ball
State Teacher’s College in Muncie, IN. where she developed the determination and compassion
that guided her life.
On July 27, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Norb Walz. In 1979, they moved from
Akron, Ohio, to Sebring, Florida, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to
their community.
Jo Ann and Norb introduced the Wendy’s restaurant franchise to Highlands County in 1979,
opening locations in Sebring, Avon Park, and Okeechobee. Later, she followed her passion for
real estate as a Realtor and broker for her own company, Walz Realty.
Throughout her career and community involvement, Jo Ann exemplified leadership and grace.
She was a member of the Florida Association of Future Homemakers (1982), American Business
Women’s Association (1987), Sebring Board of Realtors, and National Association for Female
Executives. She also volunteered with Choices Pregnancy Center, providing encouragement and
support to women and families in need.
Jo Ann’s personal life was filled with creativity, generosity, and faith. She was a gifted gardener,
quilter, and heirloom embroiderer whose work will be cherished by her family. Diagnosed with
cancer in 1988, she courageously beat it three times, inspiring others through her strength and
faith.
She is survived by her husband, Norb; her children, Doug Walz (Kaylene Walz) and Jean Griffin
(Chris Glover); grandchildren Bradley Walz, Blair Pickle (Ashton Pickle), Brandon Walz
(McKenna Walz), Jack Griffin, and Mitchel Griffin; and great-grandchildren Hendrix, Bowie,
Jova, Caira (Pickle), and Rhodes Walz.
Visitation will be held at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Sebring on Tuesday, October 21,
from 4:00–6:00 p.m. A Mass for Jo Ann will be celebrated at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in
Sebring on Wednesday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in
remembrance of a life well lived and deeply loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Choices Pregnancy Center or St. Catherine’s
Catholic School.
Her legacy of strength lives on in her family and all who knew her. Her struggle is over; she is
now at rest.