JoAnn Thibert of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at Hillcrest Senior Living in Red Lake Falls. MN.

Mass of Christian Burial for JoAnn will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner Officiating and John Bruggeman Deacon. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery near Red Lake Falls, MN.

JoAnn Louise Hance, first born daughter of the late Robert and Irene Krueger Hance, entered this world on December 4, 1931 at St. Luke's Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. She was raised in Red Lake County, initially in Gervais Township then moved to Red Lake Falls Township in 1936. JoAnn attended grade school in Wylie, graduating from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls with the class of 1949. She played clarinet in the band, was a girl stater, homecoming queen candidate, and class salutatorian. Upon graduation JoAnn worked in the Twin Cities at a bank and loan company. In the fall of 1950 she attended the University of North Dakota and the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Forks North Dakota, graduating in September 1953 as a registered nurse.

On September 26, 1953 JoAnn was married to Roger Thibert, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN.  To this union 5 children were born; Michelle, Gary, Greg, John and Jim. The couple made their home in Red Lake Falls for 10 years, moving in 1964 to Grand View Farm, west of Red Lake Falls. Roger passed away on June 21, 2019. Roger and JoAnn spent 31 winters in Arizona, while spending summers back in Red Lake Falls. JoAnn enjoyed her "twin home" and lastly resided at Hillcrest Senior Living.

JoAnn had a fulfilling nursing career. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the Red Lake Falls Clinic, St John's Hospital in Red Lake Falls, Special Duty Nurse at St. Francis and Bethesda Hospitals in Crookston, Hillcrest Nursing Home and Inter-County Nursing Service. In addition, JoAnn taught home health aides.

JoAnn dedicated her life to serving others to include family, friends and patients. She was active in her community, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, Red Lake Falls Blood Mobile, WIC, and a charter member and volunteer of Northland Community Hospice. She was an active member of St. John's Hospital and Hillcrest Nursing Home Auxiliary. JoAnn was also a religious education instructor and reader at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In addition, JoAnn was a Board Member of the NWMN Emergency Medical Services, Inter-County Nursing Service, MN Lung Association, and Agassiz Health Systems Agency.  She was Chairman of the Red Lake County Cancer Unit and participated in immunization and blood pressure clinics.

JoAnn's accomplishments and awards included: United Blood Services Community Services Award, MN Social Services Assoc. Region I Certificate of appreciation in recognition of contributions in the field of human services, sharing your time and life with the people of your community, Red Lake Falls Jaycee Civic Inspirationalist Award and WIC Volunteer of the Year.

JoAnn was always active. She looked forward to her morning exercises and coffee with her friends at the Moose Lodge in Arizona.  She and RT (Roger Thibert), loved to dance. She was a true sports fan cheering on the Red Lake Falls Eagles/Rebels, Twins, Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and Diamond backs. JoAnn and Roger even flew to Mpls for the day to watch the Eagles in the state football playoffs.

She is survived by children Michelle Naplin of Red Lake Falls, MN, Gary Thibert of Red Lake Falls, Greg (Suzanne) Thibert of Glyndon, MN, John (Andrea) Thibert of Red Lake Falls, MN and Jim (Becky) Thibert of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren  Kristin (Nick) Knott, Brad (Liz) Naplin, Mathew (Cierra) Thibert, Alyssa (Brian) Nelson, Derek Thibert, Joseph (Ashley) Thibert, Isabelle Thibert, Aaron (Anna) Thibert, Matt (Miguel Stiff) Lindner, Holly (Chad) Pemble, Amber (Dani) Lindner, Kathryn (Yusef) Agamawi, Christopher (Lisa) Thibert, David Thibert & Michael Thibert; great-grandchildren Logan Dahle, Hunter Naplin, Rylan & Porter Knott, Corbin Nelson, Christopher & Noah Boseman, Charles & Oliver Thibert, Jacksyn, Cayden & Kate Pemble, Finnley, Macklin & Oliver Lindner & Sylas & Sophia Agamawi; sibling Janice Christianson of Mankato, MN;  sister-in-law Sharon Hance of Baxter, MN; along with numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Irene Hance; husband, Roger; brother Robert Hance; son-in-law Mark Naplin; & Jessica Boseman.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials are suggested to the charity of your choice.

May JoAnn's memory be ever blessed.