Cecilia Joann (Jodi) Tomlonovic of Des Moines passed away on June 20, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. Jodi was born January 12, 1951, in Des Moines to Vincent and Margaret (Markey) Tomlonovic. She grew up in Colfax, Iowa, and graduated from Colfax High School. In 1973, Jodi obtained a Bachelor of Sciences degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration degree in 1977 from Drake University. As Executive Director of the Family Planning Council of Iowa for 35 years, Jodi was an advocate for Iowa women and girls in helping them to access affordable and quality health care. She served as Chair of Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition, President of Family Planning Councils of America, Chair of Region VII Training Advisory Committee, and a Governor's appointment to the Iowa Medical Assistance Advisory Board. Her leadership was recognized by receiving the National Dr. Allen Rosenfeld Award for her work in women's health, the Iowa Public Health Hero Award, the Advocacy and Public Affairs Award from the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, and the 2021 State Award for Excellence from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Her passion for service led her to volunteer for the Des Moines Art Festival for over twenty years and served as its Sculpture Garden Chair. She also volunteered for the Blue Ribbon Foundation during the Iowa State Fair for many years. She served as President of the Youth Law Center of Polk County Board of Directors and was a member of the Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library Board. Jodi is survived by siblings Sharon (Bill) Padgett, Grace (Duane) Brown, Susan (John) Heggen, Nancy (Steve) Thornton, Jim (Mardell) Tomlonovic and Judy Herold, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Patricia Daft, Sister Kathleen Tomlonovic, Elizabeth (Betty) Cronin and Vince Tomlonovic. A private family graveside service will be held at the Colfax Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 2:30 - 5:00 pm at the Thoreau Center, 3500 Kingman Boulevard, Des Moines, Iowa 50311. Remembrances will be shared beginning at 3:15 pm. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Thoreau Center 3500 Kingman Blvd. Des Moines, IA, United States 50311 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM