Joan Zuehlsdorff

Joan Elaine Zuehlsdorff, age 74, a bright and loving spirit, passed away on April 1, 2021. Born in Fargo, ND on July 27, 1945, to Arthur and Ardella Skonseng, she attended Fargo Central High School and maintained close friendships with her sweet classmates (Winnie, Judy, Kathy, Mim, Julie) up until the day of her death. She worked at the Fargo Clinic for countless years and gained the respect of the physicians with whom she worked. She and her husband, Doug, made their home in Moorhead, but then moved to LaPorte, MN to build their dream home on Garfield Lake. Eventually, they moved to Pine River, MN where Joan easily made new friends as she spent her time gardening, knitting, working at the Food Shelf, participating in Bible study, creating ruckus with her dear friend, Karon, and sitting in her favorite rocking chair while watching the birds. She also enjoyed a good thunderstorm, chocolate-malts, card games and planting Sweet Pea flowers. Joan shared her compassionate attitude towards all she met and taught her children how to love unconditionally and show courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Joan is survived by her husband of 54 years, Doug; her sister, Judy Walker; son, Vance (Julie); daughter, Krista (Frank); and her 7 grandchildren.

Joan's family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice and Assisted Living Facility in Pine River as they helped her family navigate through her cancer journey.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Cormorant Lutheran Church in Lake Park, MN on Thursday, June 17, from 11-1.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Pine River/Backus Family Center, P.O. Box 1, Pine River, MN, 56474.  If you have a fun story to share about Joan, please email it to Krista at krista.jordheim@yahoo.com.