Joanne Winifred Koelling, from rural Fertile, MN, died on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 77, in the Benedictine Living Community, Ada, MN, with her son and sister at her side.
Joanne was born on December 29, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Robert Harry Hanson and Joan Winifred (Edwards) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed Lutheran. She graduated from Richfield Senior High School in Richfield, MN.
On September 18, 1976 Joanne was united in marriage to David Alvin Koelling at Maple Lake Lutheran Church in rural Fertile. David adopted her young son. They resided on their farm for 42 years of marriage until David’s passing. Joanne continued to remain at home until 2021, when she entered Benedictine Living Community in Ada.
Joanne was a Home Health Aide for many years and took great pride in caring for others. She treated each of her clients as family and always brought them “care packages” of baked goods and treats at Christmas and other special occasions. She wrote a cookbook that she was trying to have published but was always quick to share her recipes. She sang in a Country and Western band in her 20s and 30s and loved writing poetry. She often colored pictures for people as a gift and wrote special poems for them. Joanne’s biggest pride, however, fell upon her son, Tim. He was the joy of her life. Her love for Tim was endless and she would tell anyone who would listen how special he was. She also had a tremendous bond with her only sister, and they spoke on the phone almost every day for many hours.
The love of Joanne’s life was David. She never considered herself a widower, but still married. She looked forward to the day when she could be together with him again in heaven.
Joanne is survived by her son, Timothy David Koelling, Fertile, MN; sister, Roberta Katherine Hiller, Fertile, MN; brother-in-law, Gary Lee Hiller, Fertile, MN; nieces, Katherine Rose Mandel, Rice, MN, and Kimberly Sue Hiller, Staples, MN; great nieces and nephews, Katelyn Ann Berg, Staples, MN, and Wyatt Gary Berg, Staples, MN.
Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, David Alvin Koelling; parents, Robert Harry Hanson and Joan Winifred Hanson; and 2 infant nephews, Jason Conrad Hiller and James Anthony Hiller.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, Rural Fertile, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the church.
Inurnment: Maple Lake Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Fertile, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
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