Joan Jorgenson, 76, died Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. with Reverend Rena Peterson officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Monday, December 8, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. and again one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be held in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Joan Ellen Anderson was born on October 1, 1932 in Warren, MN to Andrew and Elizabeth (Bradley) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Warren, MN. On May 28, 1949 Joan was united in marriage to Vernon Richard Jorgenson in Viking, MN. To this union 4 daughters were born. Together they made their home in Warren. Later they moved to the Iron Range and then made their home in St. Paul Park, MN where Joan worked for many years in the shipping and receiving department at Target. After their retirement Joan and Vernon moved to Thief River Falls.

Joan enjoyed sewing, crafts, reading, and embroidering. She was a prolific baker and kept the freezer well stocked for family and frequent visitors. Joan spent much of her time volunteering and above all she loved to visit with family and friends. She was a member of the VFW and Eagles Auxiliary in Thief River Falls and the American Legion Auxiliary of St. Paul Park, MN.

Joan is survived by her loving husband Vernon of 59 years; children Ellen (James) Erickson of Omaha, NE, Eleanor Mattson of South St. Paul, MN, Emilie Rae of South St. Paul, MN; Edie (Michael) Gray of Hastings, MN; grandchildren Brian (Michelle) Erickson, Scott (Kathleen) Erickson, Carrie (Leon) Morrison, John Gray, Rebecca Mattson, Thomas (Molly) Erickson, Elizabeth (Joey) Mattson-Monahan, Tonille Miller, Vernon Miller; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Neil (Emily) Anderson of Zim, MN; sister Marge Solee of CA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at Altru Hospital for their exceptional care.

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: Diane Johnson
SELECTIONS: Sweet Bye and Bye What a Friend We Have In Jesus
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: The Old Rugged Cross How Great Thou Art Just a Closer Walk with Thee
CASKETBEARERS: Brian Erickson, Scott Erickson, John Gray, Thomas Erickson, Vernon Miller, Leon Morrison
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Corey Erickson, Andrew Gray, Benjamin Erickson