JoAnn’s story is rooted in family, faith, and a lifetime of caring for others. Born and raised in St. Paul, one of her earliest memories is of watching her father sprint to catch the streetcar. As the oldest of nine children, she grew up with responsibility, noise, love, and the steady presence of her parents, Ralph and Elaine, both of mostly German heritage with touches of French Canadian and Irish. Her childhood unfolded between St. Paul and St. Cloud and was shaped by her father’s work as a carpenter and by her mother, who spent years as a homemaker before later becoming an aide with the Little Sisters of the Poor.
JoAnn attended two years of high school and later earned her GED. She excelled in every subject except math, she jokes. In 1972, she met Tom through her large family network, and the pair married in 1975 and share a beautiful home today. JoAnn brought six children from a previous marriage into her life with Tom, and together they raised them with love and teamwork.
For 17 years, they made their home in St. Paul’s Midway–Merriam Park neighborhood before building a peaceful home in Inver Grove Heights, where deer wander through the yard and peek in through the windows, bird feeders empty quickly, and even a friendly possum stops by.
Family gatherings have long been the heart of their holidays. While they didn’t travel often when the kids were young, they enjoyed cabin trips and occasional visits to relatives in Arizona. JoAnn loves gospel and Christian music, once loved singing, and remains an avid reader, especially of mysteries and biographies. She enjoys a good game of poker and treasures meaningful conversation. Though arthritis has closed the chapter, she once dreamed of painting and still delights in hearing about others’ hobbies.
Animals have always held a special place in her heart, especially Rex, the Doberman she raised when just a girl, and Buster, her father’s spirited Boston Terrier. A devoted mother, grandmother, and wife, JoAnn describes herself as easygoing, nonjudgmental, and eager for genuine companionship as she embraces this next chapter.
She is a wonderful conversationalist and will welcome the simple company of a new friend with open arms. Despite living with severe arthritis and seriously compromised health, she has an upbeat and engaging spirit.
Please note: There is an antique gun on the premises under lock and key that Tom inherited. It has no bullets.
