Jo Andrea “Joey” Bongard, 65, of Austin, Minn., died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at the Grand Meadow Health Care Center.

Joey was the only child born to William and Leona Tietz of Chaska, Minn. From there, she graduated and moved to Austin. While living in Austin, she married Bruce Bongard. They had one child together, Graham Bongard. They later divorced.

Joey worked as a bartender at Rubes for several years. She bought the bar and changed the name to Miss Joeys. She often referred to herself as a local legend and was beloved and adored by many. Joey sold the bar back to Rube and worked at a few local bars in Austin. She also worked at Johnson Floral and Hormel Foods for a short time.

Joey loved her birds, Toby and Charlie, and her cat, Regan. She lived at the Twin Towers in Austin and her friends often called her the Bird Lady because she would bring Toby down to socialize. Joey also loved listening to 1480 KAUS AM. She loved the Earth, nature and began recycling and encouraging others to do so.

Survivors include her son, Graham Bongard, Austin, and her grandson, Alex, Austin.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at Mayer Funeral Home with the Rev. Dale Christiansen officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Wednesday. Memorials are preferred to the Mower County Humane Society.