Joanne had a wonderful childhood in Morris MN, with her mother Estella, father Odin, and adored sister Louise. Her father Odin tragically passed when she was 9.
Joanne graduated from Morris High School in 1947 as salutatorian. Not only brainy but also athletic, she swam in the Aqua Follies in 1959, which took her on a train tour of the west.
Joanne worked at KSTP as a secretary until she married her high school sweetheart, Woodrow Winge. Three children came along: Lynn, Greg and unexpected surprise Nancy. :) After Woodrow’s death in 1970, the family returned to Minnesota. Five years later, Joanne married Jack Clausen and they merged two families, Brady-bunch style.
Joanne continued working as an outstanding secretary until she retired from Wells Fargo at age 65. Upon retirement, Joanne traveled the world (standby) with her daughter Nancy and sister Louise and sang in many choirs. Wherever Joanne lived she joined the choir, harmonizing with the Saint James Church choir since 1970, and entertaining millions of seniors performing in the Showtimers.
Joanne was not only fun loving and adventurous but kind and extremely giving, receiving the Volunteer of the Year award. She will be deeply missed by her 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many friends, relatives and choir members. She will be welcomed by her adoring sister, husbands, parents, and of course, heaven’s choir director!
Mom and I wrote this obituary four years ago. She was not afraid of death, and we spoke often of her wishes. Mom was a frequent visitor to Utah. She lived with us during the pandemic and expressed that if she moved here she wanted to maintain her independence. We moved her into an assisted living facility 14 months ago. She fell in love with the Wasatch Mountains and made many new friends. She never stopped giving, listening, and inspiring everyone she met. However, her heart was always in Minnesota, and she would teach everyone how to say MinnEsOOOta correctly.
Joanne suffered a sudden stroke and was taken to the University of Utah Hospital where she was surrounded by our family and cousin Scott (Louise’s son). I had the privilege of being with her at 2 am when she took her last breaths, while we played her favorite songs, “Que Sera Sera,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “On Eagles Wings.”
Her wish was to be cremated and returned to Minnesota to be buried next to Woody, his mother, Beatrice Winge and father, Maurice Winge at the Crystal Lakes Cemetery. We will be having a celebration of life for Joanne in the summer of 2023, at a date to be announced.
One can only hope that they would live a life as rich, healthy and long as Joanne. We will miss her beyond words.
Love,
Nancy, David, Patrick, and Daniel McNally
I loved your mom so much. She was such a special ray of sunshine. She will be truly missed. Nancy you have been so amazing coming and volunteering and spending time with your mom. I love you and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Joanne was all vely owrso. She knew how to make a friend. I will miss her.
My sympathy to the family. Joanne was such a special lady. I so enjoyed getting to know her. She had a great sense of humor, and I loved visiting with her. She and Marvin were good friends, always kidding about
being the same age. She will be dearly missed by all. Love, Iva
My wonderful sister in law! I am so pleased to have had her in my life. My most sincere condolences to all who knew her. May she RIP.
We are so saddened by Joanne’s passing. She was a fun person to be around at church. I had the chance to talk to her at our outdoor service during Covid restrictions. She was telling us she was moving to be closer to her family. She was excited but said I’m going to live by myself out there. What a wonderful obituary you wrote. I didn’t know she grew up in Morris. My aunt and uncle lived there also. Please let St James know when you are doing the burial so they can let us all know. Prayers for you all for comfort and peace. Jerry and Betty Sultvedt
Greg and Nancy, my heart reaches out to you both. Your parents were very important to my parents. Our families have an amazing history together. I’m so grateful that we have stayed in touch. Here’s to Joanne, she was amazing. Lots of love and peace… Tom
We were blessed to have Joanne as our neighbor for 40 years. She was always so kind and generous and the best neighbor anyone could ever ask for! She was very dear to her family and we will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families Nancy, Lynn, and Greg.
Nancy & Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mom was a terrific lady and we enjoyed spending time with her while visiting Utah. She led a special life and was always caring and interested in our lives when we connected with her. We will miss Joanne too and send many thoughts to you and your family .
Love, Tim, Debbie and Connor McNally
Joanne and I were best friends in high school, fellow confirmands at First Lutheran Church in Morris, MN (Reverend Emil Ede officiating), and we sang together in the church choir. We remained best of friends and in regular contact through the rest of our lives. I treasured Joanne's friendship and with her passing, I remain the sole surviving member of a group of about 12 dear high school friends. My sincere condolences to your family.
