Obituary of Joanne & John Schartow

Joanne Marion Schartow September 15, 1927 - January 6, 2023 John William Schartow October 16, 1929 - February 7, 2023 Joanne was born in Seattle, Washington and was chosen at birth by Gladys and Kenneth Sundstrom, of Seattle, Washington. John was born in Tacoma, Washington to C.Howard and Elsie Schartow. They were married 54 years and died a month apart. They met playing in the Tacoma Symphony, Joanne with her violin and John with his french horn. John played his horn in the Air Force and taught music for over 60 years. Joanne was employed teaching and playing her violin after working for a doctor for several years. They were kept busy helping raise their five children during their early marriage. They were able to work and play in Egypt for two years, Santo Domingo for five, and the Phoenix area for over thirty years after an early retirement in University Place, WA. They loved their pets, books, entertaining and travel. Joanne loved trying new recipes and hosting family and friends for wonderful meals and delighted in sharing baked goodies at rehearsals. They directed the choir, sang, or played in church their whole marriage. Joanne went on a mission trip to Bulgaria to play her violin at 88 years old. They are survived by Melissa Fackler, Tim Lotz, Wendy Post, Lynn and Bill Gibson, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. They were preceded in death by John's sister, Edna, John's son David Schartow and Joanne's 4 siblings who she was thrilled to discover a few years ago. There will be a Celebration of their lives on March 26, 2023 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 6300 W. Camelback Rd, Glendale, AZ at 2:00 pm. There will be a private ceremony at the VA Cemetery in Phoenix on March 27, 2023. Donations in their names can be made to St Andrew's Episcopal Church.