JoAnn Widing, 72, died on Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Innovis Hospital in Fargo, ND.

JoAnn Margaret McAdam was born October 3, 1932 at Strathcona, MN, the daughter of Merlyn and Gladys (Beito) McAdam. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. JoAnn started school in Middle River, MN and moved to Thief River Falls where she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951.

On January 21, 1951 she married Delbert Widing at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. In 1956 they moved to La Mirada, CA where they made their home and raised 5 children. After Delberts retirement they returned to Thief River Falls in July of 1989 and built a house at 328 Riverside Ave South, the site where Delberts parents lived.

In California JoAnn worked at a dry cleaners, waitressing at The Bull Pen, and then drove school bus for handicapped children for 12 years. In Thief River Falls she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Northwest Medical Center Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.

JoAnn and Delbert loved to square dance with the Chevron club in California and she also liked to travel, read, crochet and help whoever was in need. The door to her house " and her heart " was always open. She was an expert at fixing a meal and gathering people together. She will be sadly missed by her countless friends and relatives far and near.

She is survived by her children: daughters JoDell (David) Stark, Mulvane, KS; Julie (Wes) Stark, Corona, CA; sons Merle, La Mirada, CA; Jeffrey (Jan) and Roger of Thief River Falls. Grandchildren: Michelle and Jason Stark, Tracey (Eric) Duncan, Travis Stark, Brandon and Blake Widing and one great granddaughter, Alexis. Sisters: Maxine Peggy (Vern) Reierson, Roberta Pratt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert in 1995, brother Buzzy McAdam and her parents.