Joan Engelstad, 78, of Thief River Falls died Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 18, 2008 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Monsignor Timothy McGee presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernards Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, October 17, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

LaVonne Joan DuChamp was born August 19, 1930, on the family farm in Cloverleaf Twp. near Mavie, MN to Joseph and Alice (Hanson) DuChamp. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith in a small country church. Family life was important to Joan and after losing her mother at a young age, this bond only grew stronger. Her ties to family were deeply rooted, treasuring the moments spent with her sisters and brothers. In her teenage years, Joan gained a stepmother, Hazel (Adolphson) DuChamp.

Joan graduated from Lincoln High School with classmates she dearly loved, in 1948. She worked at Woolworths, Barzens Grainery and Gamble Robinson. While working at Gamble Robinson, she dated Donald Engelstad and the couple married May 15, 1954, at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN by Father Keough Patnode. Joan was a wife, companion and beloved soulmate to Donald for 52 years. During their lifetime together, they inspired their children and friends with their graceful dancing and unconditional love for one another. Their love was truly unforgettable. There were six children born to this union: Timothy, Scott, Pamela, Mary Frances, Richard and Dawn Marie.

Joan worked for over 20 years as a receptionist at Northwestern Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN and retired in 1989. Following retirement, Joan and Don spent many winters in Las Vegas, NV, creating many new friendships, as well as new memories.

She was an inspirational mother who put her family first. Joan treasured her grandchildren, loving their visits, phone calls, sporting events and daily lives. The wisdom and joy for life she shared with them will forever be embedded in their hearts. Joan was a friend to count on, believe in, listen to, and learn from. She led with her heart and modeled a faithful life. Her warm generous ways added joy to many lives. Her gift for welcoming people into her heart, often sparked endless, but caring conversations! Joan was an avid gardener, who nurtured her plants into Gods masterpieces. Her legacy will live on in her daily journal reflections. She loved a great novel, crossword puzzles, and researching family history. Joan was a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church, Catholic Foresters, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include children Tim (LeAnn) Engelstad of Thief River Falls and children: Casey, Jacob and Logan; Scott (Laura) Engelstad of Bemidji, and children: Peder and Linnea (Chris) Lindstrom; Pam (Galen) Anderson of Roseau, MN and children: Sgt. Gavin, Megan, Nolan, and Colin; Maryfran (Randy) Twistol of Thief River Falls, and children: Frannie and Samuel; Rick (Diane) Engelstad of Pine City, MN; and Dawn Marie (David) Penning of Park Rapids, MN, and children: Joseph and Kyja; great-grandson, Rowan Lindstrom; brothers and sisters: Ione (Sam) Siegel of Golden Valley, MN; Duane (Peg) DuChamp of Lake, MI; Naida (Jack) Pederson of St. Cloud, MN; Arden (Darlene) DuChamp; Mark (Judy) DuChamp, both of Thief River Falls; daughter in heart, Quynn Taylor of Hastings, MI; and many loved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald, on July 11, 2006; parents and step-mother.