Joanne Christine Anderson, 82

Joanne Christine Anderson (June 21, 1941 - January 24, 2024)

Joanne Anderson, Age 82, of Kennedy, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 24 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Joanne, daughter of Roger and Brita Ward, was born June 21, 1941, in Hallock, MN. She had fond memories of her childhood, from participating in 4H with her prized baked goods and animals, to taming the barn cats, gardening, sewing, and canning. Her brothers enjoyed taste testing her 4H entries in the baking category! She attended a one room country school (Joe River Country school) about two miles from her house for three years and then later attended and graduated from the Humboldt school. She received her teaching degree at Northwestern College of St. Paul, MN. On September 9th, 1963, Joanne was united in marriage to Dennis Marchus of York, ND, at the Kennedy Evangelical Covenant Church. The marriage was blessed with three daughters Karin, Renee’ and Denise. They resided in Bowbells, ND, where Dennis was a Lutheran minister and Joanne was involved in the ministry of the church. She played piano in the church and also taught first grade at the local school while loving her time with her students. She was married to Dennis for 10 years until he passed away in 1973. Joanne met Evans Anderson of Kennedy, MN at the county fair in Hallock, MN. They were united in marriage on November 5, 1976. Evans had a daughter, Carol, and three sons, Dave, Rich, and Mike, that were brought together in a family with Joanne’s three daughters.

She was an integral part of the farm and air spray business with all of her home cooked meals, baking, errands, and many loving touches. Joanne was an excellent cook and baker, and there was always a fresh homemade treat and coffee ready for breaks on the farm. Some of her treasured baked treats were sugar cookies, french bread, homemade buns, Swedish rusks, Christmas cookies and lefse. She was very active in the Kennedy Evangelical Covenant Church. She was a Sunday school superintendent, deaconess, and children’s ministry leader. She was very musical and sang in the church choir along with other women’s singing groups and trios. She was on pastoral search committees, serving groups, and was involved in many Bible studies. Joanne continued working with children as a substitute teacher at the Kennedy school and was also a Sunday school teacher at her church for many years. Joanne’s favorite hobbies were gardening, canning, baking, crafting, felting, quilting, reading and knitting. She loved living in the country in their beautiful farmhouse, surrounded by the many flowers she enjoyed planting over the years. She cherished watching sunsets from their screened in porch and visiting with the many family and friends who stopped by over the years. Joanne was a loving mom, grandma, wife, and friend to all. She was a very joyful person, had a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh. She was full of wisdom, resilience, and strength that she knew came from her heavenly father. She had a deep love for the Lord and a strong faith that was a testimony to everyone. She wanted people to know how much Jesus helps us when hard times come in life and how He desires to be a comfort and peace to us all. She lived her life in a sacrificial way by putting others first and loving people in a way that made them feel special and valued.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Evans Anderson, Kennedy, MN, and family; Karin Anderson, East Grand Forks, MN; Renee’ (Jason) Tangquist, Crookston, MN and family; Elise Tangquist, Easton Tangquist and Brannon Tangquist; Denise (Stuart) Michalicek, Bemidji, MN and family; Brock (Sarah) Michalicek, Kolden (Drew) Michalicek, Ava Michalicek; and stepchildren; Carol (Dean) Carlson, Kennedy, MN and family; Melissa (Brett) Goodman; Quinn, Zach, Summer; Alan (Stephanie) Carlson; Todd Carlson; Andrew (Candace) Carlson; Elliott, Fisher; David (Joan) Anderson, Roseau, MN and family; Nathan (Cassie) Anderson; Norah, Parks, Silvie; Mitchell (Laura) Anderson; Leah, Jace, Brian (Kayla) Anderson; Emma, Caleb, Micah, Isaac; Rich (DeEtte) Anderson, Brainerd, MN and family; Meridee (Josh) Becker; Miranda, Ty; Kristen (Levi) LaVallee; Liv, Lavin; Jason (Ashley) Anderson; Molly, Myla, Maren, Christian; Jackie (Joe) Havel; Marek, Marlee; Mike (Joni) Anderson, Hallock, MN and family; Kalie (Kelland) Bjerke; Aiden, Mason, Brynlie, Riley; Kim (Joel) Lloyd; Makaia, Kaden; Marcus (Kelsey) Anderson; Logan, Jackson; Marlie (Matt) Borowicz; Brody, Brielle.

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; parents, Roger and Brita Ward; and brother, Reynold Ward.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kennedy, MN. Visitation will be held at the church 1 hour before the service. Arrangements are being handled by Austin Funeral Chapel of Hallock, MN.

Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Austin Funeral Chapel