JoAnne Norling

JoAnne A. (Johnson) Norling was born on May 15, 1930 in Moe Township to Olaus and Ella Johnson.  She graduated from Alexandria High School in 1947.  JoAnne was united in marriage to Jim Norling on December 11, 1946 and they were married for over 65 years.  She was a caring mother who always welcomed her children’s friends into her heart and home.  Her door was always open.  JoAnne was an avid sports fan with Viking season tickets.  She also loved going to Twins games.      She worked several years at the Douglas County Hospital as a nursing assistant.  She then began as a home health aide and hospice nursing assistant.  JoAnne spent most of her life caring for people.  She was a wonderful caregiver to many people in her life.  JoAnne was a Red Cross Donor and did so religiously every time the Red Cross was in Douglas County.  She was a modest person however; she was very proud of the several gallons of blood that she had donated.  JoAnne loved her church and was always ready to work at First Congregational Church.  She helped with funerals, the bazaar, mailing church letters, participating in the circle and women’s fellowships.  The church was a very important part of her life.  Her “Red Hats Group” was comprised of her church friends.  JoAnne also did “Friendly Circle” which made quilts for people in need.  She and Jim traveled extensively in their motorhome.  They traveled to every state in the union, plus Hawaii twice, as well as Sweden and Norway.  When they weren’t in their motorhome you would find them camping at the family lake site on Lake Mina.

Joanne is survived by her children, Alan (Cindy) Norling, DiAnne (Michael) Loch, Kurtis (Suzanne) Norling, Lea (Renee) Norling, Bradley (Gayle) Norling; adopted brother, John (Jan) Swanson; sister, Carol Radil; sisters-in-law, R’Dene (Robert) Everett, Dorothy Johnson, Sue Johnson; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 17 nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Olaus and Ella Johnson; husband, Jim Norling; brothers, Milo Johnson, Loren Johnson; and sister, Eunice Klug.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.   Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022, 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church in Alexandria with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Lake Mary Cemetery.  Due to the rise of Covid-19 in our area masks are recommended for JoAnne's visitation and funeral. Service will be live streamed for those unable to attend.